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      Chelsea join £20m transfer hunt for Celtic star Matt O’Riley but midfield ace has reservations over Blues move

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      CHELSEA have joined the race to Celtic star Matt O’Riley.The midfielder has attracted plenty of suitors with his impressive performances for the Hoops.Chelsea have joined the race to sign Matt O’RileyCredit: GettySeveral Premier League outfits are lining up a move for the Dane, with Chelsea identifying him as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher.The Blues offered Gallagher a new contract but he turned it down amid interest from Atletico Madrid.Gallagher could leave for around £34million and the funds could be used to sign O’Riley.Celtic have already snubbed offers for their talisman including a £14million bid from recently promoted Southampton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCrystal Palace and Brighton are also long-term admirers of the midfielder.O’Riley has also been chased by Italian side Atalanta all summer, but Premier League football may appeal more.The Danish international is understood to be unlikely to settle for being a squad man at any new club and will want guarantees of first-team appearances.Chelsea may have to offer more than £20m plus extras to persuade Celtic to sell with boss Brendan Rodgers adamant he will be going nowhere until his asking price is met.Most read in FootballThe West London side have had a busy transfer window and finalised the £20.7m signing of goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal this week.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile Ben Chilwell could leave the club with Manchester United targeting the left-back.There are concerns the left-back may not fit into Enzo Maresca’s set-up, as the Italian likes to use inverted full-backs who drop into midfield. More

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      Man Utd 0 Liverpool 3: Red Devils will hope £36.5m Joshua Zirkzee will have an impact as Prem rivals run riot in US

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      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE had better be good because right now Manchester United have got nothing up front.The £36.5million new signing from Bologna has been back training a week at Carrington.Curtis Jones celebrates his goal with Mohamed SalahCredit: APIt was decided not to bring him out here in the US to get used to his new team-mates after he was part of the Holland squad that went to the semi-finals of the Euros.But he played only four minutes in Germany and even on holiday in Los Angeles when Manchester United were out here at their training base.Could he really not have joined them for part of it?Meanwhile Rasmus Hojlund scored and then limped off in the opening game against Arsenal and will be out of action with a hamstring injury for six weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat has left Erik ten Hag deploying a false nine system since.It worked in the FA Cup Final against Manchester City where Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay acted as two false nines coming from deep.The neighbours meet again this Saturday in the Community Shield and that will probably be used again.They also got three goals in the second game of their tour against Real Betis without a recognised striker.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSStill it cannot be the answer for the first three or four games of the season, so much will rely on Zirkzee who is not exactly a proven striker.Bayern Munich did not think the 23-year-old was good enough, and he played only 17 times for them. You have to wonder why?Man Utd vs Liverpool in major doubt just hours before kick as SEVERE storm warning hits USFor Bologna he scored just 14 goals in 58 games.They are back in the same position as this time last year, going into a new season with a young unproven striker in the Premier League.United are desperate for goals to come from somewhere as well.It was a largely disappointing first season for Hojlund as the Red Devils had the joint worst goals-for in the top half of the Premier League alongside Crystal Palace with 57.The good news is that Marcus Rashford shook off the injury he suffered against Real Betis to start in this game.The evidence of the three games out here has shown that Rashford is getting back to his best after he found the net just eight times last season down from 30 the season before.He was United’s star performer again as he had been against Real Betis although without finding the net on this occasion.Liverpool however did so with some ease.Fabio Carvalho opened the scoring on 10 minutes when he sold Casemiro a dummy and rolled a shot into the far bottom corner with the help of a slight deflection.Curtis Jones got ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to slot home the second from close range on 36 minutes after good work from Mohamed Salah to tee him up.The third followed on 61 minutes when Diogo Jota’s shot was parried by Andre Onana and Kostas Tsimikas followed up.There was a sell-out 77,559 at the Williams-Brice Stadium for this game.That is the largest ever for a soccer match in either North or here in South Carolina which is where there is the most interest in the Premier League of anywhere in America.The Liverpool fans will most definitely have left with most to feel positive about.United fans not so much.There are those injuries to Hojlund and Leny Yoro which have proved a major blow as the squad flies home today.READ MORE SUN STORIESYes, main players like Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw were not here and as ever in pre-season matches the teams chopped and changed as the game progressed.Still, this was a chastening defeat for United to a big rival. More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Marcus Rashford the star performer despite 3-0 hammering to rivals Liverpool

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were hammered 3-0 by Liverpool in a South Carolina drubbing. Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones and Konstantinos Tsimikas got on the scoresheet for Liverpool Stateside. Liverpool hammered Man Utd 3-0Credit: GettyIt was a harsh wake up call for Erik ten Hag’s side ahead of the start of the Premier League season. Here is now Neil Custis rated United’s performers from the Williams-Brice Stadium. ANDRE ONANA – 5 It is clear a lot of work has been done on playing out more from the back more with new goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar. However it is not what he does with his feet that is the main concern always. Can’t blame him for the first two but could have done better than parry Diogo Jota’s shot which lead to Kostas Tsimikas turning the third in from close range. 5.Most read in FootballAARON WAN-BISSAKA – 5 The full-back looked a bit worn out in the humidity of the Williams-Brice Stadium. Lost Curtis Jones for the second goal as the Liverpool player got ahead of him to put the ball away from close range. Aaron Wan-Bissaka looked a bit worn out in the humidityCredit: GettyVICTOR LINDELOF -5 It was not a great night for the whole back four as Liverpool created numerous chances. JONNY EVANS – 5The veteran started at the back with Harry Maguire left out as a precaution. Most read in FootballBoth he and Lindelof were among the chances at the break after United struggled against the Liverpool attack. Harry Amass is certainly confident of making the first team next seasonCredit: GettyHARRY AMASS – 7 The 17-year-old is certainly confident of making the first team next season if Luke Shaw gets injured. The way he charged back to tackle Salah as the Liverpool player shaped to shoot showed that confidence is not misplaced. CASEMIRO – 5 Put in a good captain’s performance in the victory over Real Betis, this not so much. Completely sold a dummy by Fabio Carvalho for the first goal that left him on the ground and misplaced a number of passes.Casemiro was off the paceCredit: GettyCOLLYER – 6 There are high hopes for the 20-year-old but the ease with which Mohamed Salah breezed past him to set up Curtis Jones for Liverpool’s second goal was a worry. Didn’t let his head drop though and tried to make up for his error with some strong forward runs. AMAD – 6 Did not get the same space that Betis allowed him when he thrilled fans in the previous game in San Diego but still performed well and will provide real competition for Alejandro Garnacho on the right flank this conming season.Amad was a bright spark for Man UtdCredit: GettyMASON MOUNT – 7 Back from injury and gradually getting back to his best. Had an early shot saved and was always on the ball looking to combine with Jadon Sancho who acted as the false nine in the absence of the injured Rasmus Hojlund. MARCUS RASHFORD – 8 The good news for Manchester United fans on the night was the sight of Rashford showing no ill effects from the knock that saw him limp out of the Betis game. He was the star performer again for the Red Devils. The stand out moment for him came in the 24th minutes when he controlled the ball with his back to gola turned his man and shot just wide of the far post.READ MORE SUN STORIESMarcus Rashford was the star performer again for the Red DevilsCredit: GettyJADON SANCHO – 6 He is starting to look comfortable in a United shirt after his travails of last season. But United cannot start the season with him as a false nine as he has been in the last two games as he just doesn’t not pose a big enough goal threat. More

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      Enzo Maresca suffers miserable reunion with ex-mentor Pep Guardiola as Erling Haaland bags hat-trick against Chelsea

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      CHELSEA’S Premier League opener against Manchester City already looked a tall order before the champions tore through them in Ohio.Enzo Maresca faced his former club, and mentor Pep Guardiola, who offered a reminder of just how hard changing the style of a club is overnight.Enzo Maresca reunites with Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyAgainst a second string City team, which included Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish but mainly academy graduates, the Blues’ failings were ruthlessly exposed.Maresca has been pleased with the improvement on the ball across their first three pre-season games, against Wrexham, Celtic and Club America.But there was a significant step back here as his side faced a Premier League team for the first time.Each of City’s four goals, three of which were scored by Haaland, had an element of Chelsea passing poorly or overplaying in the build-up.READ MORE IN footballTosin Adarabioyo handed possession over in the box just before Haaland won a penalty in the second minute.Moises Caicedo gifted the City No9 the ball moments later for his second before mistakes on the ball from Raheem Sterling and Malo Gusto ahead of the third and fourth goals.Chelsea did hit back through subs Sterling and Noni Madueke both scoring fine goals and – given the way they started – things could have been a lot worse.However, the concern will be that if this is how the Chelsea players crumble under pressure from a second string side – what on earth will happen against a full strength Manchester City side in two weeks.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMaresca said: “Very strange game to be honest.”Sometimes when we say some things it sounds like an excuse. The pitch doesn’t help to play the way we like to play.Celtic wrap up pre-season tour of USA with 4-1 win over Chelsea”The ball has to be quick and these pitches slow down the ball. More than the goals we concede we need to learn when we concede one not to play back. That is the moment to become more strong.”I am not concerned because I know it takes a bit of time to understand.”We continue in the same way, we don’t need to do anything different. We don’t like to lose games but we are convinced the direction is the perfect one.”Guardiola, who Maresca worked with as an assistant during Manchester City’s treble winning season, said: “It happened because of the pitch conditions, at Stamford Bridge that would not happen.”I saw what Enzo wanted to do and I like it.”Romeo Lavia continued to be a bright spark – brave on the ball and confident in his ability to get out of tight spots.The Belgian breaks play up well and can deliver a killer pass, as shown by the ball threaded down the right to tee set Madueke going for his late goal.Erling Haaland bagged a hat-trickCredit: AFP More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Romeo Lavia impresses in midfield but Tosin Adarabioyo struggles in Man City mauling

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      MANCHESTER CITY handed Enzo Maresca and Chelsea a worrying pre-season lesson in Ohio.Maresca has warned already that the Blues will ship goals when playing out from the back, and they managed to concede two in the opening five minutes.Reece James looks on with Romeo LaviaCredit: GettyCity’s penalty, after just two minutes, came after Tosin Adarabioyo hit a pass straight at Jack Grealish. The ball fell to Erling Haaland, who was tripped by Levi Colwill and converted the penalty – having had to retake after scoring the first attempt.Within a minute of the restart, Haaland scored again. This time the Norwegian benefited from Moises Caicedo looking to pass back but finding the feet of the City striker.He rounded Adarabioyo and finished comfortably.City managed another quick double after the break too, Oscar Bobb scoring a wonderful goal with a cute finish at the near post before Haaland grabbed his hat-trick – both goals coming after Chelsea had gifted possession.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSub Raheem Sterling grabbed one back for Chelsea, smashing home a fine left-footed volley before, in the 89th minute, Noni Madueke scored his second goal in as many games on the break.Here is how Jack Rosser rated Chelsea…Robert Sanchez – 6Nothing he could really have done about any of the gaols. Looked a little more comfortable on the ball.Reece James – 6Struggled with Jack Grealish and City’s youngsters at times but was assured on the ball – unlike most of his teammates.Most read in FootballReece James battles with Jack GrealishCredit: APTosin Adarabioyo – 4Handed City the ball in the Chelsea box which resulted in Colwill fouling Haaland to concede an early penalty. Struggled to deal with City’s forwards for most of the game.Levi Colwill – 5Can consider himself unfortunate to concede the early penalty but could have done more to stop Bobb’s goal.Malo Gusto caught out of position at timesCredit: RexCeltic wrap up pre-season tour of USA with 4-1 win over ChelseaMalo Gusto – 5Gave up the ball for Haaland’s third goal in the middle of Chelsea’s half and was caught out of position down the left a few times.Romeo Lavia – 6Continues to impress in midfield during this pre-season tour. Always brave on the ball and has the ability to get out of tight spots.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5Moved out onto the left on his second start of the tour and was far less effective than when playing centrally against Club America.Kieran Dewsbury-Hall starred in midfieldCredit: RexMoises Caicedo – 5His first start of pre-season and added to Chelsea’s problems playing out from the back, gifting the ball to Haaland for his second goal after just five minutes.Enzo Fernandez – 6The Argentine made his first start of pre-season, but wasted a huge first half chance after Ortega played the ball straight to his feet.Fernandez tried to dink the ball over the City keeper but managed to drag it wide.Enzo Fernandez made his Chelsea returnCredit: RexMykhailo Mudryk – 5Worked hard defensively but offered nothing going forwards. The winger has not had the best pre-season so far.Christopher Nkunku – 6Started the game leading the line and did not have much of an impact, improved after being dropped back behind Mar Guiu.Christopher Nkunku led the line for ChelseaCredit: RexSubstitutesNoni Madueke – 7Added some threat down the right and delivered a fine cross for Sterling’s goal and grabbed one of his own with two minutes to go.Raheem Sterling – 6Sloppy on the ball in the build up to Bobb’s goal but made up for it with a fine finish at the other end.Marc Guiu – 6The young striker put himself about and made some impressive runs in behind but did not have the time to make a real impact.Benoit Badiashile – 6READ MORE SUN STORIESSomehow managed to come off the bench despite not being listed in the squad. Stepped into midfield well at times.Wesley Fofana – n/a More

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      Wenger was too loyal to his Arsenal favourites… but Arteta dumping Smith Rowe shows he’s more like Pep, say Parlour

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      MIKEL ARTETA proved he is as ­“ruthless” as mentor Pep Guardiola by selling yet another Arsenal academy star.But Gunners legend Ray Parlour urged Fulham-bound Emile Smith Rowe to prove the club’s boss wrong by reclaiming a spot in the England team.Mikel Arteta let Emile Smith Rowe leave after falling down the pecking orderCredit: AFPRay Parlour has had his say on the dealCredit: GettySmith Rowe, 24, joined the Cottagers for £27million — plus £7m in add-ons — after falling out of favour with Arteta owing to injuries and a drop in form.His is the latest homegrown exit from the Emirates during Arteta’s tenure, following Joe Willock’s £25m switch to Newcastle in August 2021 and Folarin Balogun’s £35m Monaco deal in August last year.Academy product Parlour — who lifted three Prem titles and four FA Cups in 15 years at Arsenal — wants the Spaniard to give more kids a first-team chance.But the former midfielder compared Arteta to Manchester City chief Guardiola in refusing to let sentiment cloud his judgement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLParlour, 51, said: “Arteta is ruthless. He has learned that from Pep. If you’re not doing your job, you’re out.“It could be argued that in my time, Arsene Wenger was too loyal and wanted continuity with the same players — but Arteta is fearless.“Managers live by decisions and he hasn’t made many bad ones.“I doubted him for dropping Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya but now no one talks about it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArteta played under Wenger at ArsenalCredit: GettyThe Spaniard was later assistant to Pep GuardiolaCredit: EPA“Fair play to him for having the balls to leave people out and sell them.”Smith Rowe made just 13 Prem appearances last term and won the last of his three senior Three Lions caps in March 2022.Arsenal confirm £42m Riccardo Calafiori transfer from Bologna after defender passes medical and joins squad in the USSpeaking to SunSport via Netbet Sports Betting, Parlour added: “The deal is great for both parties. Fulham are getting an excellent player and Smith Rowe has a good opportunity to prove Arteta wrong.“If he puts his head down, stays fit, works hard and gets back into that form he showed at Arsenal, he could be pushing back into England’s squad.”A dozen Arsenal academy hopefuls joined the seniors on their pre-season tour of the United States, including 17-year-olds Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ayden Heaven.But the exits of 19-year-old pair Amario Cozier-Duberry to Brighton and Reuell Walters to Luton were met with surprise.And 16-year-old striker Chido Obi-Martin — who scored 32 goals for Arsenal’s Under-18s last season — has rejected a new deal.Parlour added: “I hope a few more come through the academy but the standard has gone up.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You’ve got to be very special, like Bukayo Saka, to even think about getting into the first team.“They have a good squad — one that can win the Premier League.”Smith Rowe signed for Fulham this weekCredit: Rex More

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      Liverpool target £75m Marc Guehi and could use Joe Gomez to land Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon in transfer merry-go-round

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      LIVERPOOL are ready to join the bidding battle for England star Marc Guehi.New Kop boss Arne Slot is keen to rival ­Newcastle — with Crystal Palace ready to demand £75million for the England centre-back.New Liverpool manager Arne Slot is keen to bolster his squad in the summer windowCredit: RexMarc Guehi is being linked with a huge transfer away from Crystal PalaceCredit: RexGuehi was one of Palace’s key players last seasonDutchman Slot could also lose Guehi’s Three Lions team-mate Joe Gomez as part of a mega deal to land Magpies forward Anthony Gordon.Toon have yet to make a formal offer and Liverpool are waiting in the wings to find out the price while trying to avoid an auction.Guehi, 24, was a standout star for England at Euro 2024 and Palace will have little option but to sell if the right offer comes in.He has two years left on his deal at Selhurst Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Eagles are also ­anxious that Newcastle will come for midfielder Eberechi Eze should they sell Gordon.Eze has a £60m price clause in his contract and is also being eyed by Manchester City and Tottenham.Toon boss Eddie Howe insisted he was “out of touch” with his club’s latest deals on Saturday.On the transfer market, Howe said: “I know we’re trying. I’m not going to talk about individual deals.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnthony Gordon could swap St James’ Park for AnfieldCredit: GettyGordon racked up 21 goal contributions for Newcastle last seasonHowe is close to sealing a £10m deal for Sheffield United forward William Osula, 20.But the Newcastle chief had a scare as Alexander Isak injured his shoulder in Toon’s 2-0 friendly loss to Yokohama F Marinos in Japan yesterday.Isak went down clutching his shoulder after a collision and was withdrawn at the break.But when asked if Isak was taken off because of an injury, Howe said: “No, that was scheduled for him.“It was sore, but he was fine to carry on.“We don’t envisage any problems but, of course, we need to check out how his shoulder is.”Callum Wilson will miss the start of the season with a back problem.Versatile defender Joe Gomez may find himself leaving Liverpool in the windowCredit: The Mega AgencyGomez featured 32 times for Liverpool in the Premier League last season More

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      Fans say ‘that’s hilarious’ as supporter reveals reason for choosing Newcastle is Alan Pardew HEADBUTTING rival

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      NEWCASTLE fans love one Japanese supporter’s reason for choosing to support the Toon.Eddie Howe’s side have been on tour in Japan this summer.A Japanese fan revealed his Newcastle origin storyCredit: X/ToonMouthTyneAlan Pardew infamously headbutted David Meyler in 2014Credit: Getty Images – GettyOn Wednesday they beat J-League side Urawa Reds 4-1 in Saitama.They then fell to a surprising 2-0 defeat to Yokohama F. Marinos earlier today.Aside from friendly matches, Newcastle have been putting on other events for their local fans.These have included a Q&A session with club icon Shola Ameobi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the event, the Shields Gazette interviewed several attendees.One fan, named Ucha, revealed that he started supporting the Toon after seeing former boss Alan Pardew headbutt David Meyler during a match against Hull City in 2014.The infamous incident occurred during a 4-1 victory for Newcastle, and saw Pardew land himself a £100,000 fine.Explaining his fandom, Ucha said: “About 10 years ago I watched a game against Hull City.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The game was so crazy… Alan Pardew had a headbutt!”That was the game I watched first and I already fell in love with the team.”Footage resurfaces of what Eddie Howe said about England job as he is tipped to succeed Gareth SouthgateSeeing the clip, one fan wrote: “He just gets it.”While a second added: “At least he is honest.”Another added: “True fan.”Newcastle played Yokohama F. Marinos at a sparsely populated stadium earlier this weekCredit: AFP More