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      Man City accused of persuading transfer target, 18, to buy out his contract as Real Valladolid threaten legal action

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      MANCHESTER City have been slammed over the potential signing of young defender Juma Bah.Spanish side Real Valladolid are accusing City of persuading Bah to buy out his own youth contract in order to secure a move to the Etihad.Man City are being threatened with legal action over a move for Real Valladolid’s Juma BahCredit: GettyAnd Valladolid have threatened to take legal action against the centre back, 18, for breach of contract.According to reports in Spain, City were in talks with the LaLiga side for a deal worth up to £6.75m.But Sierra Leone-born Bah, 18, and his representatives informed Valladolid that they were instead going to pay up the terms of his current youth contract at a cost of around £5m.And Valladolid are furious, because Bah has refused to sign a pro deal that would have cost more to buy out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spanish club issued a stern statement, saying: “Abdulai Juma Bah and his agent informed Real Valladolid yesterday evening of their intention to unilaterally break the contract that binds both parties.“Previously, yesterday evening, Manchester City sent a statement asking Real Valladolid to open negotiations for the player for a possible permanent transfer.“Today, the Sierra Leonean has decided not to report to his workplace for morning training. For all these reasons, the Club holds the player responsible for the breach of his contractual commitments, and has asked its legal department to initiate disciplinary action in this regard.“The player’s intention, supposedly supported and guided by Manchester City and his agent, has caused great disappointment and indignation at the club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“The Club considers that Manchester City, a member of the City Football Group, is behind the Player’s decision, and appears to have advised the player to take this route, which puts Real Valladolid in a defenceless position, after having recently rejected financial offers of a higher amount, even more so when the player is in the legally protected period of his youth stage.”And, in recent days, had refused to sign the professional player’s licence, as this would entail an automatic increase in his termination clause.Man City sign Abdukodir Khusanov in £34m deal with ‘tank’ as quick as Usain Bolt roped in to bolster Pep’s defence“Manchester City seems to have advised the player to adopt this path that puts Real Valladolid in a helpless situation.“The player’s intention, supposedly supported and guided by Manchester City and his agent, has caused great disappointment and indignation within Real Valladolid.”Real Valladolid will resort to the appropriate legal and sporting jurisdictions to exercise its rights and defend its interests.”Man City have declined to comment.Bah arrived at Valladolid on loan last summer from AIK Freetown in his native Sierra Leone.The 6ft 5in centre back was so impressive that on January 1 the La Liga club exercised its right to buy him for a fee of about £840,000.If City complete a deal for Bah, he is expected to go straight out on loan to Lens after the French club sold centre half Abdukodir Khusanov to the Premier League champions earlier this week. More

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      Man Utd face having stadium capacity REDUCED by government body who have power to close parts of Old Trafford

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      MANCHESTER UNITED risk having their stadium’s capacity reduced by a government body, according to reports.The Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) have the power to close parts of Old Trafford.Old Trafford’s capacity could reportedly be reduced by a government bodyCredit: RexThe Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) have the power to close parts of Old TraffordCredit: ReutersThey have warned United to clamp down on ‘persistent standing’ inside the Theatre of DreamsCredit: GettyIt comes after the SGSA have warned United to clamp down on “persistent standing” inside the Theatre of Dreams.Footage emerged online after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton of stewards taking photographs of fans who were standing up.The group has outlined its concerns with the number of fans standing in certain parts of the ground, including the Stretford End.Standing is only permitted in designated areas with barriers or rails to keep fans safe, as long as certain criteria are met.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited claim that they’ve never had any recorded injuries from fans standing.According to The Mail, it is understood they have been left surprised by the mid-season pressure from the SGSA.The Red Devils have effectively been forced to take stronger action to risk having the capacity reduced.But there is no suggestion that tipping point has been reached.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe club have also successfully rolled out safe-standing in several sections of Old Trafford.And rail seating now accounts for more than 10 per cent of the stadium.My 16-year-old brother will be even better than Wayne Rooney at Man Utd Ratcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current groundUnited first introduced safe standing in January 2022, when the stadium was one of five chosen for a trial period.They received government approval following a series of trials.Ruben Amorim and his players are back in action on Thursday when they face Rangers in the Europa League.Meanwhile United took a major step forward in their discussions surrounding the future of Old Trafford.A Task Force, set up by minority owner Jim Ratcliffe last March, announced that they have “completed their initial feasibility work into options for a new or redeveloped stadium.”They determined that a redeveloped Old Trafford could increase the capacity of the existing ground, which has stood in place since 1910, from 74,000 to 87,000,But a new-build stadium, which would cost around £2billion, would allow capacity to reach 100,000.Paul Scholes reacts to Man Utd ticket price hikeHow can you ask Manchester United fans to pay more money with what is on the football pitch?£66 for a ticket is ridiculous. If you think of Manchester, there are so many deprived areas.Sir Jim Ratcliffe himself is from Failsworth, which is a deprived area.If you take one kid with you, that is £120, if you take a family, you are looking at £300-400 – it is just not right.Where do these owners get the front to put ticket prices up?For the value – we’re probably having our worst ever Premier League season and they’ve got the cheek to put the prices up.There is nothing positive happening with that football club. The team look bang average. They are not doing anything for fans.If we have got Sir Jim Ratcliffe, compared to all these American owners, who has been a United fan since growing up in an area in Manchester – he is still hiking prices up.It just shows that they don’t care. More

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      Ruben Amorim is wrong, this isn’t the worst Man Utd team in history… I played in a worse one under Sir Alex Ferguson

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      RUBEN AMORIM declared on Sunday that his struggling side might be the worst Manchester United team in history.But hero of the Sir Alex Ferguson era Gary Pallister disagrees with the current boss’ assessment.Ruben Amorim made a bold claim about Man Utd’s current cropCredit: XGary Pallister spent nine years at Old Trafford under Sir Alex FergusonCredit: PA:Empics SportSir Alex pictured in 1990Credit: GettyPallister, 59, played for the Red Devils between 1989 and 1998 – winning four Premier League titles and three FA Cups along the way.He reckons that one of his early United sides was even worse than the current crop.Speaking to Punters Lounge, who offer the latest horse racing betting, Pallister said: “Is this the worst Manchester United team of all time?”I remember us going to Millwall in the middle of April in 1990 and if we had lost we would’ve gone into the bottom three.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Because of that I’d say I have actually played in a United team that was worse than this one, despite having players like Steve Bruce, Mark Hughes, Paul Ince, Brian McClair, Danny Wallace, Lee Sharpe and myself in there.”That team went on to win the Premier League in 1993 so it’s not all doom and gloom, there are good players who are just struggling to find a way and put it all together.”Ruben Amorim made that comment preempting what people might say after the Brighton result, he said it with a wry smile.”Having said that, it’s a bit messy at the moment and the club are fighting transfer rules with more talks about players leaving, it’s a concerning time for everyone associated with United. We are not in a good place.”Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYPallister has had his say on Man UtdCredit: GettyThe centre-back played under Sir Alex Ferguson for nine yearsCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils have reportedly drawn up a four-man striker shortlist including Liam Delap, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Jonathan David ahead of a potential swoop later this month.But in order to free up funds, they may have to flog at least one of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho or Marcus Rashford.Fans convinced they’ve spotted cut on Ruben Amorim’s finger in interview that gave away Man Utd boss’s furious outburst Amorim, 39, was furious after Sunday’s 3-1 home defeat to Brighton – reportedly damaging a big screen TV in United’s dressing room.In his press conference, he said: “We are being the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United.“I know you want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and change that. So there you go, your headline.“In ten games in the Premier League we won two, I know that. Imagine this for a fan of Manchester United, imagine this for me.“You are getting a new coach who is losing more than the last coach. Imagine that. We need to survive this moment. I know that.”Man Utd have lost six of their opening 12 home league games this season – their worst start to a season on home turf in 131 years.They return to action tomorrow night, when they host Rangers in the Europa League. More

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      Marcus Rashford smiles as he’s seen in Man Utd training for first time since admitting he wants transfer exit

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      MARCUS RASHFORD looked in high spirits as he was spotted in Manchester United training for the first time since his transfer bombshell.Rashford has been linked with a January exit with half of Europe reportedly interested since admitting last month he wants “a new challenge”.Marcus Rashford joined Ruben Amorim’s training at Carrington on WednesdayCredit: GettyRashford was all smiles as he was pictured as part of the main groupCredit: GettyRashford and Kobbie Mainoo wrapped up warmCredit: RexRashford is ready to be called upon ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clashCredit: PAAmorim watched on as his players warmed upCredit: RexThe England international has not played for the club since December 12Credit: PADespite that, the 27-year-old was included in Ruben Amorim’s final practice ahead of Rangers’ Europa League trip to Old Trafford on Thursday.Rashford has reportedly been doing extra training sessions amid his nine-match absence.This is the first time he’s been pictured during that time.United have lost five of the nine games Rashford has been absent for.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd SunSport exclusively reported that Rashford is open to staying and fighting for his place.Sources close to the dumped striker insist he is ready, willing and able to face Rangers if selected.But Rashford’s brother and agent Dwaine Maynard reportedly still met with Barcelona executives in Lisbon on Wednesday.The England international has not played for the club since early December against Viktoria Plzen.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was recalled to the squad to face Newcastle on December 30 but was an unused substitute.The 27-year-old was axed by Amorim for United’s 2-1 win over rivals Man City in December over his performances in training.’Best for the team’ – Ruben Amorim gives blunt explanation on Marcus Rashford absence as Man Utd outcast seeks transferRashford has been excluded for nine matchesBut Rashford has no issues with Amorim and is ready to give 100 per cent for the shirt.After leaving him out again for Sunday’s 3-1 defeat by Brighton Amorim doubled-down on his stance over the home-grown star.The boss, who called his side “the worst in Manchester United’s history”, stressed: “It is his choice (not to play).“I don’t want to focus on this bad moment because in the games we lost, Rashford is not here.“I don’t want to put this moment on Rashford. Rashford is out because he is not playing.”No matter what, I am not going to put out a player I don’t believe is the best for the team.”The Old Trafford winger has also been linked with moves to Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.Although Kyle Walker’s pending move to Milan is set to end the Serie A side’s long-running interest in Rashford.Meanwhile, Antony, who has been linked with a loan move to Real Betis, trained as normal on Wednesday morning.Likewise, Chelsea and Napoli target Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, who has been linked with Bayern, were spotted training.READ MORE SUN STORIESVictor Lindelof returned for the first time since storming down the tunnel against Spurs in the Carabao Cup defeat in December.While Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans were all absent.Rashford has also been linked with moves to Borussia Dortmund and AC MilanCredit: PAToby Collyer was pictured enjoying a kick about with RashfordCredit: PA More

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      Man Utd draw up four-man striker shortlist including Liam Delap and Bryan Mbeumo if one of three stars leave

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have drawn up a four-man striker shortlist, according to reports.But the Red Devils will need to flog at least one of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo to fund a striker swoop this month.Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo could leave Man UtdCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford has been frozen out at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersSelling any of these three homegrown products would hugely benefit United from a PSR perspective.Rashford’s £315,000 a week salary makes a move challenging, although he has received interest from Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.Chelsea and Napoli are keen on Garnacho, meanwhile, with the Blues also holding an interest in Mainoo.According to the Mail, Man Utd scouts have been tracking Prem trio Liam Delap, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Lille striker Jonathan David is also on their radar.Former Man City academy kid Delap has impressed for Ipswich this season, the 21-year-old scoring eight times for the Tractor Boys.Mbeumo, meanwhile, has 13 Prem goals for Brentford this term, with Cunha, 25, managing 10 for strugglers Wolves.David, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has scored 11 times in Ligue 1 this term – in addition to Champions League strikes against Real Madrid, Atletico, Juventus and Liverpool.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYLiam Delap has impressed for Ipswich this seasonCredit: GettyBryan Mbeumo has bagged 13 times for BrentfordCredit: RexMatheus Cunha has impressed despite Wolves’ strugglesCredit: AlamyJonathan David is out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyShould the Red Devils manage to flog one of their homegrown trio, United could make a late striker swoop.United are said to be demanding around £75m for Garnacho.Liam Delap talks about joining Ipswich Town While they want a higher fee for Mainoo.Rashford could head out on a loan, with a deal largely dependent on whether they can find a suitor who will take on most of his £315k wages. More

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      Brentford star Yoane Wissa due in court after woman ‘almost blinded him in ACID attack and tried kidnapping daughter’

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      BRENTFORD star Yoane Wissa is due in court to face a woman who allegedly almost blinded him in an acid attack.The striker joined the west Londoners from French club Lorient in 2021 for £8.5million.Brentford star Yoane Wissa will be in court to face a woman who almost blinded him in an acid attackCredit: PAAnd he became the Bees’ record Premier League goalscorer when he struck against Manchester City last week.Nottingham Forest made a £22million bid for the DR Congo international yesterday, which Brentford are poised to reject.But Wissa, who has also been linked with Arsenal, is now at the centre of a trial that began on Tuesday.  The hearing is due to last four days, and he is expected to attend after missing the first day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe court at Vannes, near Lorient in northwestern France, heard a woman threw acid into Wissa’s face before seeking to kidnap his newborn daughter.The woman, now 36, allegedly attacked another woman in Vannes the following day in July 2021 before kidnapping HER baby.The child was later found unharmed.The woman, named only as Laetitia P., faces up to 30 years in jail for attempted murder, child kidnap and attempted kidnap.Most read in FootballWissa needed an operation to safeguard his eyesight.  He posted a picture on social media later that month showing scars on his face.The 28-year-old’s lawyer Karim Morand-Lahouazi said: “Yoane is still suffering the after-effects of this attempted kidnap and attack.”He has done everything since then to show that he is fine.”He is also trying to perform to the best of his ability in his everyday job.”And nowadays he and his wife feel secure in England.  They feel they are safe from danger.”Thankfully he did not lose his eyesight, and it was only thanks to his reaction that his daughter was not taken away.”He was signed off work for 10 days, but you don’t just go back into training on day 11.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He needed a significant time to recover. Things were not easy for him at the start of this matter.”He will attend the trial on two days.” More

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      Forgotten Premier League star, 47, now working as fitness coach subbed on as STRIKER for non-league Wealdstone

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      A FORGOTTEN Premier League star who is now working as a fitness coach ended up being subbed on as a striker for non-league club Wealdstone.Wayne Andrews, 47, enjoyed a glittering career playing up front for the likes of Watford, Coventry and Leeds.Wealdstone fitness coach Wayne Andrews came off the bench for a surprise appearance aged 47Credit: RexThe ace enjoyed a glittering career playing for some big namesCredit: Matthew PoverHe made nine Premier League appearances during the 2004/05 season with Crystal Palace.And after retiring in 2009 with 44 goals from 230 games, Andrews moved into the world of coaching.The ace reinvented himself as a strength and conditioning expert, training the likes of Andy Cole and Jermaine Jenas.Last summer Andrews took up an official role as Head of Strength and Conditioning with non-league club Wealdstone.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he’s now ended up putting his boots back on for a shock appearance on the field.Last night saw Wealdstone take on Brighton’s U21s in the National League Cup.With his side 1-0 down, Andrews came amazingly came off the bench in the 76th minute in an attempt to level things up.Unfortunately for the ace, he was unable to make an impact as Wealdstone crashed out by a single goal.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut fans were loving seeing Andrews back on the field in such dramatic circumstances.One said: “Football ay?”Football stars’ weird phobiasHe scored plenty of goals along the wayCredit: AllsportAndrews made nine Premier League appearances at Crystal PalaceCredit: ArfaAnother declared: “Legend.”One noted: “One of my favourite players as a kid.”Another declared: “What a hero.” More

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      How Arsenal boss Arteta is using MUSIC to motivate his players with huge speakers positioned around training pitches

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      MIKEL ARTETA is willing to try anything to gain an extra inch in his pursuit of silverware.The Arsenal manager’s latest out-of-the-box thinking involves transforming the dreary weather of London Colney into a sun-kissed Samba Boys beach through the medium of MUSIC.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is hoping to get a tune out of his players for the title run-inCredit: Amazon Prime Video SportArsenal’s players trained with Samba music on speakers ahead of Euro clashCredit: GettyBoss Mikel Arteta spoke with Brazilian-born Eduardo at London ColneyCredit: GettyAhead of their penultimate Champions League group phase match against Dinamo Zagreb tomorrow tonight, Arteta’s injury-plagued Gunners squad trudged out for training in chilly conditions at their North London base.But their moods were instantly lifted by a popular Brazilian tune blasting through several speakers around the pitches as they started their warm-up – the song in question being Mais Que Nada by Sergio Mendes.A beaming Arteta was clearly enjoying its impact, getting involved in the Rondo’s with his players to a soundtrack most people associate with Samba legends Ronaldinho and Kaka.And Arteta explained: “It’s something we’ve been doing for many years now.read more arsenal“And as part of training we use music as another element of our sessions to build the energy, to change some purposes that we want in the training session and I think the players enjoy it.“It depends on the drill, depends on the day. Some players pick the first song, the first two songs, the last song. It’s definitely interesting.”Arsenal and Arteta are in dire need of a mood change after a gruelling month that has seen them crash out of the FA Cup to Manchester United in the third round on penalties and lose the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final 2-0 at home to Newcastle.Their Prem title dreams have also taken another knock, blowing a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Aston Villa on Saturday night – leaving them six points off Liverpool who have a game in hand.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMeanwhile, their treatment room is filling up with key figures Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu still on the road to recovery.In November 2021, Arteta tried to prepare his players for a trip to Anfield by playing the anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ during a training session, only to get smashed 4-0.’I’m flabbergasted’ – Paul Merson tears into Thomas Partey’s ‘schoolboy’ defending as Arteta blasts performance vs VillaArteta continued: “Music is very much part of our culture. We have music in a lot of different places, and music has the capacity to change your mood, to change your energy to a certain place.“It happens in all of us. You play a song and immediately you feel different, and we have certain songs that trigger something in our team, because they have some history as well with us.“I will use it when we believe it’s the right way to do it.“Sometimes I play a song many, many times with my family and [the kids] say: ‘Dad, can we stop it, please?’ I don’t know, it’s a feeling.”Winger Leandro Trossard – who is set to make his 100th appearance in all competitions for Arsenal after signing from Brighton two years ago this week – added: “I’m not sure who’s on the tunes when we’re doing the warm-up. You just get used to it, I guess.Bukayo Saka update as Arsenal star spotted at Emirates without crutches… but Gunners suffer fresh injury blow“At the start when I joined it was a bit weird for me that we had this, but now it’s just natural for us to have the music playing when we’re warming up.“[Arteta’s methods] are a bit different to any other manager I had. But it helps players on some days to focus more and get the meaning, the importance of the game.”Despite having two-and-a-half years with an option of a further 12 months left on his contract, Trossard has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this term.The Belgian has started just 14 Prem games term, and often shows his disappointment through grumpy facial expressions, with Arteta jokingly calling him a “moaner” in the past.Trossard laughed: “I wouldn’t use moan. I’m just a winner. If something goes against me and I think it’s unfair, I think that’s really personal, I would say. That’s how I am.“That should be the mind-set of every footballer. I don’t do it on purpose, maybe my body language at that point could be, but I am always ready. Even if I am on the bench, I can make an impact.”Arsenal can take a huge leap towards confirming a top eight spot in the new league format of the Champions League with victory over Fabio Cannavaro’s Dinamo Zagreb.With his men in third place with 13 points from six outings, Arteta said: “We are in a really strong position and now we try to capitalise.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I don’t want [my players] to feel unlucky with recent results. We have to control what we can control. Is there anything better we could have done to win [against Villa] by a big margin? Yes.“We focus on that. Now it is in our hands to change it and move forward.” More