Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle preparing £35m swoop for Greek wonderkid but will have to beat Man Utd, Liverpool and Bayern to transfer

      by

      NEWCASTLE are weighing up a swoop for Greek wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas.Genk’s 17-year-old attacker announced himself on the world stage by becoming Greece’s youngest starter and goalscorer against Scotland last month.Newcastle are weighing up a swoop for Genk wonderkid Konstantinos KaretsasGreek star Karetsas is also being eyed by Liverpool, Manchester United and Bayern MunichHis exploits for club and country have attracted the attention of Europe’s top guns and Toon’s scouts were there to watch that in person at Hampden.Now Newcastle are readying for a fight with Bayern Munich to sign him.The winger, comfortable on either flank or as No10, has a £35million release clause in his contract at the Belgian club.Karetsas, born in Belgium to Greek parents, fits the player profile that Toon are chasing and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has a proven track record of nurturing young talents.Read More on FootballEven though he already has fellow left-footers Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes in his squad, the versatile ace is just at home on the right.And providing competition for in-form Jacob Murphy, 30, on that flank is a key priority for Howe.Following three-consecutive windows without any major big-money buys and battling PSR issues, Newcastle do have cash to spend this summer.And the transfer kitty provided by their Saudi owners could also be bolstered if the Carabao Cup winners go on to finish in the top five and seal Champions League qualification.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKarestas, who grew up idolising Brazilians Neymar and Ronaldinho, penned a new contract until 2027 in November but his release clause makes him an attractive and affordable proposition.Bayern are believed to be huge admirers and have already decided to make their move.Why Jacob Murphy and Bruno Fernandes will decide Newcastle vs Manchester Utd | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerAnd it may turn into a transfer slugfest with Italians Napoli getting involved in a bidding war.Reports from Italy and Greece also claim that Liverpool and Manchester United have both been impressed with what they’ve seen from their own scouting missions.Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are also said to have sent scouts for Greece’s 3-0 victory in the Nations League at Hampden Park. More

    • 163 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Why is Eddie Howe not on the touchline for Newcastle vs Man Utd?

      by

      NEWCASTLE welcome Manchester United to St James’ Park for a mouthwatering Premier League encounter – but there’ll be no Eddie Howe on the touchline.The Toon have been flying since ending their 70-year trophy drought with a Carabao Cup win against Liverpool in March.Eddie Howe will be absent from the touchline against Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyBruno Guimaraes’ strike helped Newcastle see off West Ham before beating Brentford after the international break.Eddie Howe’s men then thrashed Leicester 3-0 five days later and they’ll be hoping to build on that win this afternoon against a struggling Manchester United side.But Howe is absent from the match today and SunSport can explain why.Why is Eddie Howe not on the touchline vs Man Utd?A statement read: “Eddie Howe will miss Newcastle United’s Premier League game against Manchester United on Sunday due to illness.Read more on Eddie Howe”The Magpies’ head coach was admitted to hospital late on Friday evening having felt unwell for a number of days.”Medical staff kept Eddie in hospital overnight for further tests, which are ongoing.”He is conscious and talking with his family, and is continuing to receive expert medical care.”Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes to Eddie for a speedy recovery, and further updates will follow in due course.”Most read in FootballWho will step in for Eddie Howe?Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will step in for Eddie Howe while the Newcastle boss recovers.And Tindall gave an update on Howe while addressing the media on Friday morning.The Toon assistant manager said: “He’s been really poorly. Bed-ridden. We’ve been in daily contact but it’s not affected any of the preparations.”Still got a few days and hopefully he’ll be back for weekend.”What time does Newcastle vs Man Utd kick-off?Newcastle vs Manchester United kicks off at 4:30pm BSTSt James’ Park is the allocated venue for this huge match and it can host 52,000 fans.Fans can watch the entire action on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Premier League.Goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton fired the Toon to a 2-0 win when the sides last met in December 2024. More

    • 188 Shares73 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League stars among NINE footballers caught using illicit substances with players facing lengthy bans

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE stars are among NINE footballers to have been caught using banned substances since 2022.The number of players getting caught for doping is on the rise, with four players — including from the English top flight —  testing positive last year alone.Premier League stars are among nine footballers caught using banned substances since 2022The latest UKAD stats do not include Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk, who has been provisionally suspendedEx-Manchester United star Paul Pogba was hit with a lengthy banTwo of those four players are still under investigation, with the stars facing hefty bans from the game.The two unnamed players tested positive for a banned ­substance straight after games, according to UK Anti-Doping.Despite testing  positive, all nine stars were secretly allowed to play on for their clubs, after the FA accepted  drugs were for medical purposes or taken “via a  permitted route”.Players were caught taking banned drugs including Tamoxifen, Triamcinolone  and Amphetamine.Read More on FootballTriamcinolone is the substance controversially given to cycling legend Bradley Wiggins before he won the Tour de France in 2012 which helps players lose weight without reducing power.Tamoxifen is known to help players build up muscle, while Amphetamine helps with increased endurance.The latest UKAD stats do not include Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk, who was caught using Meldonium while playing overseas for Ukraine. It can enhance recovery after matches.Mudryk, 24, who denies any wrongdoing, has been provisionally suspended from football and could receive a four-year ban.Most read in FootballEx-Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was banned from football for four years and sacked by Juventus after testing positive for banned substance DHEA, which boosts testosterone production.Last month we revealed how Prem stars are among 530 players being treated for addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling plus some have   mental health issues.’I take responsibility but…’ – Paul Pogba breaks silence as ex-Man Utd star gives first interview since doping banAnd last season, 80 professional players sought therapy for problems with illicit substances, such as cocaine and nitrous oxide as well as sleeping pills and booze.Brentford star Christian Norgaard has revealed he previously feared he was becoming addicted to sleeping tablets. He said: “It’s a topic that has been going under the radar.”Some have become addicted to using black market Zopiclone tablets to help them sleep.Two unnamed players also tested positive for a banned substance immediately after games in the Prem and EFL last season, say UK Anti-Doping chiefs. More

    • 250 Shares95 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim set for huge cut-price firesale of Man Utd’s expensive flops in desperate bid to raise £200m transfer kitty

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM will be handed a £200million transfer war chest — but only if he first flogs his Manchester United flops.United plan a summer clear-out of almost an entire team of unwanted stars — and the manager will be able to spend the bulk of any income.Ruben Amorim is planning a Man Utd firesaleCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are confident of getting £45m for Marcus Rashford after his recent upturn in form at Aston VillaCredit: RexAlejandro Garnacho may be sold amid interest from NapoliCredit: GettyUnited could cash-in on Andre Onana amid interest from Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyBoss Amorim knows his kitty almost entirely depends on fees from departures and savings on wages, but Old Trafford bosses are confident the target figure is achievable. That will mean the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho exiting for good, along with Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and even one of young guns Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho.Despite the Red Devils’ shocking season, the club’s top brass are confident there remains enough interest in their out-of-favour stars to bring in a hefty amount.Rashford, 27, has been edging towards top form since joining Aston Villa on loan, and they may well try and turn that into a permanent move.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEven if Villa boss Unai Emery decides against it, United believe the England player’s return to some sort of form has got other clubs interested, and they would sell for around £45m.While Sancho, 25, has not been such a hit in his spell at Chelsea, a full-time switch is still on the table.United would get ­little more than half the £73m they paid Borussia Dortmund, but will listen to offers at that figure — which could mean a return to the German club. It is the same story with Brazilian Antony, who has shone on loan at Real Betis so much that the Spaniards would like to sign the 25-year-old for good.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBetis have already been told that it will cost £35m to keep the  winger. While it may take Champions League qualification for them to fund a deal, that is not out of the question.Why Ruben Amorim’s Man United system is brokenMan Utd ratings vs Lyon as two Onana blunders earn under-fire keeper a ONE out of 10MANCHESTER UNITED were left ruing calamity goalkeeper Andre Onana as two massive blunders saw them leave their Europa League quarter-final first leg with a 2-2 draw against Lyon.The season-defining clash for both clubs became even spicier ahead of the game following a war words between Onana and ex-Red Devils star Nemanja Matic, with the Serbian dubbing the goalkeeper “one of the worst in United history”.It certainly riled up the home side’s crowd, who made their voices known as Ruben Amorim named an unchanged team – for the first time since his arrival – from the Manchester derby.But Onana was found wanting when he failed to save Thiago Almada’s inswinging free-kick to give the hosts the lead.Leny Yoro nodded in an equaliser just before the interval after Manuel Ugarte’s volley.And Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won the game for the visitors with his late header converting a Fernandes cross.But United’s joy was short-lived as Onana parried a shot straight to Rayan Cherki in added time, and the midfielder tapped in to leave the tie on a knife-edge.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils in France…The fact United are prepared to offload one of rookie duo Garnacho or Mainoo will be the most controversial.Local boy Mainoo, 19, is on Chelsea’s summer radar, with doubts over his future as United dither about meeting his wage demands.But £50m-rated winger Garnacho is the likelier of the two to leave after losing his place in the Argentina squad.The 20-year-old is not an obvious fit in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system and Napoli are long-time admirers.Dutch full-back Tyrell ­Malacia, 25, currently at PSV Eindhoven, will also be offloaded for around £10m.And despite insisting he plans to stay, ­others are convinced Andre Onana is off.The keeper, 29, is on the radar of the Saudi Pro League, as is 33-year-old Casemiro. Getting the Brazilian’s £350,000-a-week wages off the books would be a major saving.Eriksen, 33, will also leave at the end of this season — ­further boosting Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ­determination to slash United’s £172m wage bill.Amorim has already admitted there will be no Galactico-style summer arrivals.Read More on The SunAnd while Ratcliffe is happy to pay big money in transfer fees, he is opposed to handing out big contracts.That means targets will be offered deals, heavily laden with success-related clauses.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordUnited could look to get Casemiro’s wages off the booksCredit: GettyChristian Eriksen’s days at Old Trafford are numberedCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares73 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd stars want blunder keeper Andre Onana DROPPED after he ‘tempted fate’ with comments before Lyon horror show

      by

      FUMING Manchester United stars have turned on cock-up keeper Andre Onana.The “silly” Cameroon No 1 could be axed for today’s Prem trip to Newcastle after his two blunders gifted Lyon a 2-2 Europa League draw on Thursday.Man Utd stars want Andre Onana axed after his horror show against LyonCredit: GettyThey feel Onana tempted fate by taunting Lyon before committing two howlers in the 2-2 drawCredit: GettyTeam-mates blame Onana for “tempting fate” by taunting the French side ahead of the quarter-final first leg.A United insider revealed: “Some of the players are really p***ed off with him.“You tempt fate when you say things like he did and then you end up looking silly if it comes back and bites you.“Some wonder if it’s time for Altay Bayindir to be given a go.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited boss Ruben Amorim initially backed Onana, but admitted: “There is nothing I can say to Andre that will help.”Onana fired up Lyon by insisting the Red Devils were “way better” than their opponents.It sparked an angry response from Lyon’s ex-United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who dubbed Onana “one of the worst keepers in  United’s history.”Onana then responded to that jibe by slamming the Serb’s five trophyless seasons at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe keeper has now made NINE errors leading to goals since joining United in a £43.8million move from Inter Milan two years ago.United legend Paul Scholes insisted: “Onana is probably wishing he had kept his mouth shut,” before slamming his “awful” mistakes, including a 95th-minute clanger which allowed Rayan Cherki to equalise.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spatWhile fellow 1999 Treble winner, keeper Peter Schmeichel said: “Sometimes players  say something they shouldn’t. It backfired for him.”Amorim admitted: “We should have taken a one-goal advantage to the next game.”Man Utd ratings vs Lyon as two Onana blunders earn under-fire keeper a ONE out of 10MANCHESTER UNITED were left ruing calamity goalkeeper Andre Onana as two massive blunders saw them leave their Europa League quarter-final first leg with a 2-2 draw against Lyon.The season-defining clash for both clubs became even spicier ahead of the game following a war words between Onana and ex-Red Devils star Nemanja Matic, with the Serbian dubbing the goalkeeper “one of the worst in United history”.It certainly riled up the home side’s crowd, who made their voices known as Ruben Amorim named an unchanged team – for the first time since his arrival – from the Manchester derby.But Onana was found wanting when he failed to save Thiago Almada’s inswinging free-kick to give the hosts the lead.Leny Yoro nodded in an equaliser just before the interval after Manuel Ugarte’s volley.And Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won the game for the visitors with his late header converting a Fernandes cross.But United’s joy was short-lived as Onana parried a shot straight to Rayan Cherki in added time, and the midfielder tapped in to leave the tie on a knife-edge.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils in France… More

    • 263 Shares73 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He could have broken my leg’ – Arsenal’s Martinelli hits out at Brentford star who escaped red card for ‘nasty’ tackle

      by

      FUMING Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli accused Brentford captain Christian Norgaard of a “nasty” foul that could have broken his leg.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was also furious, claiming Norgaard should have received a red card instead of a yellow for the first-half scissor tackle from behind.Gabriel Martinelli claimed Christian Norgaard’s ‘nasty’ foul could have broken his legCredit: PAThe Arsenal star was chopped down by Brentford’s captain in Saturday’s 1-1 drawCredit: GettyMartinelli was left in a heap on the floor as Norgaard received just a yellow cardCredit: ReutersMartinelli went on the attack at full-timeCredit: Sky SportsWinger Martinelli insisted: “In the moment, if my foot was on the floor, he could break my leg.“He said he didn’t mean it. I believe him but still he could have broken my leg. For me it was red. It was nasty.”Arteta let rip at the fourth official as Martinelli lay stricken on the ground. The Gunners boss said: “My reaction tells you everything.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrentford chief Thomas Frank disagreed, saying: “It was a strong yellow — but it was a yellow.”Norgaard and Martinelli are believed to have shaken hands at half-time but the fallout continued after the game.Ex-top ref Mark Halsey agreed with Arsenal, adding: “A challenge  that endangers a player’s safety with excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned with a red card.“This was a scissor-challenge from behind — that’s serious foul play.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“It could have resulted in a serious injury for Martinelli.”The Gunners took the lead through Thomas  Partey’s second-half goal.Arsenal’s Kai Havertz hits the gym as he continues his recovery from injury Mikel Arteta is adamant that Norgaard should have been given a red cardCredit: ReutersThomas Frank reckons the correct decision was made with the yellowCredit: ReutersBut they were pegged back as Brentford striker Yoane Wissa hooked in  his 15th Premier League strike of the season.The draw leaves the Gunners ten points behind leaders Liverpool and for the first time, Arteta all but conceded the title.And the Arsenal boss admitted his team’s season now hinges on the  Champions League quarter-final, with the Gunners heading for Real Madrid on Wednesday to defend  a 3-0 lead from their first-leg win.Arteta said: “Today, what we wanted to do was increase the probability of us really challenging for what we are looking for  in the Premier League.“With that result, obviously, it’s more unlikely to happen. There are still six games  in the Premier League which are going to be really important.Arsenal ratings vs Brentford as Partey dominates in midfield but Jorginho a passenger as title hopes fizzle“But, for sure, now it’s all about Wednesday.”Frank hailed Wissa’s fabulous season in front of goal and his team’s resilience in coming from a goal down to keep their hopes of European football next season alive.The Brentford boss said: “How many teams have a No 9 who has scored  15 goals? It is maybe only Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland.“So that is exceptional from Wissa, big credit to him, and hopefully also  to the way we play and the chances we create.“It is a very good point against a very good Arsenal team that beat Real Madrid four days ago.Read More on The Sun“Fighting back to get  to 1-1 shows the character in our team.“We’d love to compete for Europe and aim for as high as possible.” More

    • 225 Shares102 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Chelsea facing new competition for Liam Delap as Premier League rivals join £30million transfer race

      by

      EVERTON boss David Moyes plans to join the Liam Delap race — and is happy to wait for his chance to net the striker.Moyes has funds for forwards and is keen on the Ipswich frontrunner, who can leave Portman Road for £30million because of an escape clause.Everton boss David Moyes plans to join the Liam Delap raceCredit: RexAnd while the 22-year-old is on the lists of Prem big guns like Chelsea and Manchester United as a possible buy, he is top of the list of strikers wanted by Moyes.So the Toffees are willing to be patient and wait for Delap, who has 12 Prem goals, to come within their grasp in the window as his price, age and profile is ideal.Everton have been relying on Beto for goals, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin often injured and out of contract in the summer.Moyes wants fresh attackers, including Liverpool winger Ben Doak, 19, and hopes the new owners will fund those moves as the club switch to their spanking new £800m stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Toffees chief has been hands-on with recruitment, checking on Burnley defender Maxime Esteve while sending staff to see Sunderland prospect Chris Rigg.Everton may sell but expect to be landing some key additions in a busy summer before their new stadium move.Midfielder Harrison Armstrong is one player who could be on his way — and is on Blackburn’s summer hit-list.Armstrong, 18, has been a stand-out for Derby County on loan and he could head for the Championship again next season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRovers had lined up a move for Armstrong before the Rams took him.Ironically, Rovers’ previous boss John Eustace was keen on another more experienced target.Now Blackburn are looking for younger players, either on loan or for bargain fees, and Armstrong is among them.Harrison Armstrong has been a stand-out for Derby CountyCredit: Rex More

    • 250 Shares102 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Redknapp: Eddie Howe has a huge summer ahead – Newcastle are THREE good signings away from challenging for title

      by

      NEWCASTLE fans waited so long for a proper knees-up that it was always going to be one to remember.They may have forgotten what it was like to win a trophy but not how to throw a party — as we all got to see two weeks ago.Harry Redknapp says Newcastle can now target more silverware after winning the Carabao CupCredit: GettyWhich is just as well, because their gaffer Eddie Howe is building something so special I think those supporters will have a lot to celebrate from here.Far bigger things than the Carabao Cup, with all due respect, because in my book that is just the start.They certainly won’t be waiting 70 years for the next domestic trophy!I am not saying the next stop is the Premier League title as they are three good signings short of pushing the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal over a season — but they are moving closer.READ MORE IN football Eddie, who was in hospital yesterday after feeling ill during the week, will miss their clash against Manchester United today and I wish him a speedy recovery.And so will all the Toon fans — which certainly shows up all those who reckoned Eddie was only keeping the seat warm for a glamorous foreign name after the Saudis appointed him.Whether that was the plan when they arrived I don’t know but — four years on — the only way I can see Howe leaving St James’ Park is for the England job.The search for Thomas Tuchel’s replacement, when that day comes, won’t take long, although I am not saying Newcastle fans should start worrying yet. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat’s for the future.For now, all that matters is making sure this is the real thing, not just another false start.Harry Redknapp rings me on the M40 after every game whether we win or lose – he’s the best uncle everAfter the Saudis took over there was a lot of talk the richest club in the world would take off, and when they made the Champions League two years ago, it certainly looked that way.But despite that famous win over Paris Saint-Germain, they never really got off the launch pad and when they went from finishing fourth in the Prem to seventh, quite a few feared the worst for Eddie.Thankfully the people who matter never doubted he was the right man and now you won’t find anyone who disagrees.Actually there was one… the radio pundit I heard who said Howe wasn’t the answer if they wanted to push on after the League Cup. What a load of cobblers!I think those supporters will have a lot to celebrate from here. Far bigger things than the Carabao Cup, with all due respect, because in my book that is just the start.Harry RedknappOf course, they must make sure the Wembley win isn’t a one-off and Newcastle can only prove that over time but what convinces me they will is the way Eddie has gone about it.Right from the start he said it wouldn’t be a trolley dash for the biggest names in football just because he had the money and he proved it by making Kieran Trippier his first signing.When Dan Burn, something of a journeyman up to then,  arrived soon after fans weren’t exactly buzzing at the new buys.Ask them now, though, and you will get a different answer. And do not forget, either, that for all there is no shortage of stars in the squad, the fact most have become bigger at the Toon than they were before says a lot.Eddie Howe lifted the Carabao Cup but he can win more with NewcastleCredit: PAThe Geordie’s still know how to party but fans shouldn’t be happy yetCredit: SplashAlexander Isak is a world-class striker you could put alongside any in the game, while Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are top-notch midfielders.Anthony Gordon is one of the best wingers around and young full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have both won England caps since signing.But for me, Trippier has been the real star of the show and the leader every manager wants.The second leg of the League Cup semi-final was perfect proof, when he steamed into the first tackle and set the tone. Arsenal were never in it after that.Dan Burn is just unbelievable. From doing the rounds at places like Yeovil, Birmingham and Wigan to man of the match at Wembley and an England cap. What a career!Harry Redknapp And Burn is just unbelievable. From doing the rounds at places like Yeovil, Birmingham and Wigan to man of the match at Wembley and an England cap. What a career!There have been more glamorous names since — most of them, to be honest — but Eddie knew it had to start with characters. And they don’t come bigger than those two.He knows there is a huge summer ahead, too, and top of the list has to be keeping Isak, with loads of Europe’s big names sniffing around.Read More on The SunSecuring a Champions League place will help, for sure, and with five teams in it from England next season, there is a great chance of Newcastle being one of them.Now those incredible Geordie fans are already daring to dream — and this time there may be no rude awakening. More