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    Man Utd transfer target LEFT OUT of Man City’s Club World Cup squad as Red Devils ‘eye controversial deal from rivals’

    JAMES McATEE has reportedly been left out of Manchester City’s Club World Cup squad amid links with rivals Manchester United.Shock reports claim McAtee, 22, has emerged as a target for the Red Devils this summer.James McAtee has been left out of Man City’s Club World Cup squad amid links with Man UtdCredit: ReutersThe playmaker has been at City since 2013, rising up through the academy before taking in a double loan spell at Sheffield United.This season saw McAtee emerge as a rotation player under Guardiola, with the ace netting seven goals in 27 outings.However, City have numerous attacking options both in midfield and out wide.Guardiola is also said to be plotting swoops for the likes of Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd that could see McAtee become available for a transfer away from the Etihad, with United thought to be circling.Now, speculation regarding his City future has heated up after McAtee was left out of the squad for the Club World Cup.The tournament runs simultaneously alongside the U21s Euros in Slovakia.Having initially not been included, McAtee has now been added to England’s pre-tournament training squad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd the Mail claims it means he is unlikely to feature for City ever again, with Guardiola seemingly happy to not have him on board for the lucrative club tournament in America.To compound things, teammate Rico Lewis was also eligible for U21s selection.Bruno Fernandes enjoys dinner with Al-Hilal ‘secret agent’ Joao Cancelo as he faces Man Utd exit decisionBut unlike McAtee, he has not been called up by England as City want him to travel to the Club World Cup instead.Another factor at play is that McAtee’s contract expires in 2026, with City needing to either hand him a new deal or cash in before he becomes a free agent.Guardiola previously indicated he wanted McAtee to stay, but admitted the youngster could struggle for minutes if he remains at City.Guardiola in April: “For the age, I’d like him to stay. But I understand players want more minutes.“He can play different positions but I don’t know how the squad will be and we will see.” More

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    Qataris ‘haven’t abandoned hope of buying Man Utd’ with Sir Alex Ferguson ‘guest of PSG chief at Champions League final’

    SHEIKH JASSIM has not given up on one day owning Man Utd, according to reports.The Qatari went head-to-head with Sir Jim Ratcliffe for the Red Devils in 2023.Sheikh Jassim bid for Man Utd in 2023Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a minority stake in Man UtdCredit: GettyRatcliffe, 72, ultimately purchased a 25 per cent stake in the club from the Glazer family, worth £1.3bn.But his 18-month tenure so far has been nothing short of a disaster as the club lurch from one nightmare to another.First the decision was made to keep Erik ten Hag on as boss, only to sack him in October after a poor start to the season.And the Dutchman’s successor, Ruben Amorim, has only made things WORSE on the pitch, with the Red Devils finishing 15th in the Premier League, their lowest-ever position.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, off the pitch, Ratcliffe has bemoaned the club’s financial woes, with drastic cuts including 450 redundancies.While, taking into account money borrowed and transfers still being paid for, the Red Devils are said to owe around £1bn.Things could have been so different under Jassim, who wanted to purchase the club in its entirety – pledging to wipe their staggering debt in the process.But, according to the Telegraph, Jassim and his associates have not given up on one day purchasing the Red Devils.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSir Alex Ferguson attended Saturday’s Champions League finalCredit: PAAlthough any links have been officially denied, any Qataris looking to buy a major European football club would likely consult Paris Saint-Germain owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi, given his vast experience and bulging contacts book.Al-Khelaifi, 51, has owned PSG since 2011, while he also chairs the European Club Association, as well as Qatari broadcaster beIN Sports.Bruno Fernandes enjoys dinner with Al-Hilal ‘secret agent’ Joao Cancelo as he faces Man Utd exit decisionInterestingly, legendary former Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson was a special guest of Al-Khelaifi’s in Munich over the last few days.Ferguson, 83, attended the official pre-Champions League final dinner courtesy of the PSG chief on Friday.While he was part of Al-Khelaifi’s party in the posh seats at the Allianz Arena as PSG battered Inter Milan to win their first Champions League crown.As part of their 2023 deal, the Glazer family can sell United from under Ratcliffe.But the British billionaire does possess the right to make an offer on any share sale.Sheikh Jassim refused to engage in a public PR campaign while trying to buy United in 2023.And precious little is still known about the mysterious would-be Old Trafford chief.It remains to be seen whether Jassim would shift tactics, should another Man Utd opportunity come up.In February 2024, Ratcliffe cast doubt over whether Sheikh Jassim even exists.Read More on The SunThe United co-owner said: “Still nobody’s ever seen him, actually.”The Glazers never met him. He never… I’m not sure he exists.” More

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    Tottenham speaking to other managers about replacing Ange Postecoglou with D-Day this week

    TOTTENHAM are speaking to other managers about replacing Ange Postecoglou.But the Europa League-winning Aussie remains in the dark if the North Londoners will actually sack him or not.Ange Postecoglou won Tottenham’s first trophy in 17 yearsCredit: AFPDaniel Levy is leaning towards sacking Ange PostecoglouCredit: GettyBrentford manager Thomas Frank is on the list of TottenhamCredit: ReutersSpurs chairman Daniel Levy is still weighing up whether to axe Postecoglou or keep him on after the 59-year-old ended the club’s 17-year trophy drought with glory in Bilbao earlier this month.SunSport understands it is more likely a change in the dugout is made, with a decision expected this week, but it is not a foregone conclusion yet.The representatives of a number of possible successors are believed to have been contacted in the meantime.Brentford boss Thomas Frank and Fulham chief Marco Silva are among those Spurs are considering.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Crystal Palace’s FA Cup winning hero Oliver Glasner has been a target but the German says he is “99 per cent” certain to be staying with the Eagles.While SunSport understands there has been interest in Champions League runner-up Simone Inzaghi of Inter Milan.Postecoglou has been made to wait on his future as he and a number of Spurs staff went on holiday last week.That was despite him clinching the club’s first piece of silverware since the League Cup in 2008 with victory over Manchester United in Spain in the Europa League final almost a fortnight ago.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe triumph meant ex-Celtic chief Postecoglou kept up his record of winning a trophy in the second season in every managerial job he has ever had where he has lasted that long.Spurs are set for a summer of change at executive level whether Postecoglou stays or goes.Ex-Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham is coming in as chief executive, with chief football officer Scott Munn heading out the door.Former managing director of football Fabio Paratici is set to return once his two-and-a-half-year ban for financial malpractice at Juventus is over at the end of this month. More

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    Brentford AGREE transfer for Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher with fans shocked by fee

    BRENTFORD have agreed a £12.5million deal to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.After several successful seasons backing up Alisson, the Irishman is set for a crack as a Premier League No1.Caoimhin Kelleher is set to leave Liverpool this summerCredit: RexKelleher, 26, has made 67 senior appearances for the Reds.Under Jurgen Klopp and then Arne Slot, the Cork-born ace has helped Liverpool to a Premier League title, an FA Cup, two League Cups and the Uefa Super Cup.According to Sky Sports, Brentford have had a £12.5m bid accepted for Kelleher.Thomas Frank’s side are seeking a replacement for outgoing stopper Mark Flekken.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Dutchman, 31, is on the verge of becoming Erik ten Hag’s first signing as Bayer Leverkusen boss.Flekken has agreed to join Leverkusen in an £11m deal, although the transfer has not yet been finalised with Brentford wanting to find a replacement first.With Kelleher on the brink of signing, the Bees will likely complete their Flekken sale in the coming days.Several fans have been left stunned by the bargain fee for Kelleher.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMark Flekken is set to leave Brentford for the BundesligaCredit: Shutterstock EditorialOne wrote on X: “How much? Bros a 50m keeper going for 12.5m.”While a second claimed: “lol bargain. Trent cost Madrid 2.5m less for a month.”John O’Shea says teams all over Europe will try to sign Caoimhin Kelleher from LiverpoolA third commented: “12.5? 30 million GK there and they let him for 12.5. Wow.”And a fourth added: “That is an absolute steal.” More

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    ‘We need to redefine parking the bus’ – Terrified Tottenham fans beg for Uefa Super Cup final vs PSG not to be on TV

    TOTTENHAM fans are in meltdown after the Champions League final.With the Uefa Super Cup showdown against French giants Paris Saint-Germain looming next season, desperate Spurs supporters have launched a bizarre online campaign… begging broadcasters not to televise the match.Tottenham fans dialled it up after winning the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyIt’s still unclear if Ange Postecoglou will be at Spurs next seasonCredit: GettyWhy? Because of how dominant PSG were against Inter Milan, recording a ruthless and deserved 5-0 win over their Italian counterparts.Spurs fans fear they could be handed a prime-time embarrassment with the world watching.One Tottenham fan on X pleaded: “We need to redefine parking the bus, lads.”Another clearly worried, said: “They can’t televise the Super Cup final, man. Please.”READ MORE FOOTBALLA third fan, stunned by PSG’s performance, posted: “This PSG team versus Spurs in the Super Cup is gonna need investigating by the UN.”Spurs qualified for the Super Cup after a defensive masterful second-half display to beat Manchester United — clinching their first major trophy in 17 years.But that victory now sets up a daunting clash with the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Achraf Hakimi.Meanwhile, PSG are expected to hold a victory parade in Paris after becoming only the second French team to win the Champions League.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTheir manager Luis Enrique admitted said it was time to celebrate after what had been a brilliant campaign. He said: “Since day one, I said I wanted to win important trophies. Inside Tottenham’s wild Europa League open-top bus parade as 200,000 fans greet heroes”Paris had never won the Champions League we did it for the first time and It’s a great feeling to make many people happy.”Now we have celebrate this because everyone deserves the sucess we’ve had.” More

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    Barcelona in talks over free transfer swoop for Arsenal’s Thomas Partey who ‘wants a deal that reflects his standing’

    BARCELONA are lining up a sensational swoop for Arsenal midfield warrior Thomas Partey and he won’t cost them a penny.The La Liga giants’ representatives have opened talks with the Ghanaian hardman’s camp over a free transfer this summer with Partey’s future at the Emirates still up in the air.Thomas Partey and Mikel Arteta share a strong bond and that could tilt the balanceCredit: GettyThe Ghanaian is coming off one of his best campaigns for the GunnersCredit: GettyThe 31-year-old is settled in London but wants a good deal to stayCredit: GettyPartey, 31, is out of contract at the end of June but has yet to agree a new deal with Arsenal despite Mikel Arteta publicly confirming he would like to keep him.The complex and slow-moving nature of negotiations has encouraged clubs like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid who are both looking to bolster their midfield muscle without breaking the bank.Sources close to the player have told SunSport that Partey is seen as a cut-price fix for Barcelona’s engine room with boss Hansi Flick a big admirer of the ex-Atletico Madrid star.The Ghana international who joined the Gunners in 2020 for £45million has endured an injury-plagued spell in North London — but when fit remains a dominant presence in midfield.READ MORE FOOTBALLHe enjoyed a strong campaign, playing in 35 league games as Arsenal pushed Liverpool for the title. Sunsport understands that the Ghanaian would ideally like to stay in north London having built a strong relationship with Arteta.Partey also recently welcomed a new baby and with his family settled in London, he would love the continuity. However, he is looking for a deal that doesn’t require him to take a significant pay cut- aware that this could be his final major contract.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe turns 32 this month and is seeking a deal that reflects his status as one of the club’s most important players.Barcelona are still grappling with Financial Fair Play restrictions but they love the idea of securing a top-tier player on a free transfer.Chloe Kelly stuns Arsenal fans as she heads straight to local PUB after Champions League trophy paradeBeyond Barcelona, Partey has also attracted interest from Saudi clubs- but it’s the Catalan giants who have made the first serious move and are keeping the pressure on.One source close to the player told SunSport: “Thomas respects Arsenal massively and loves living in London, but he also knows his worth and wants a deal that reflects his standing at the club.”Partey’s potential exit from Arsenal would free up a space in the midfield for next season.And the Gunners are keen to bring Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer and are set to trigger his £51million release clause.According to reports in Spanish outlet Cope, senior Arsenal figures expect the deal to be completed swiftly.Personal terms and the relevant documents have already been signed and agreed, as well as the payment structure around the Spaniard’s release clause.Read More on The SunZubimendi is highly rated by Arteta, who convinced the Euro 2024 winner of the North London project after he turned down a switch to Arne Slot’s Liverpool last summer.It is the start of a huge summer of incomings for Arsenal as they prepare to splash around £200m on new talent to fire them to Premier League glory next term. More

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    Leon Bailey set to seal life-changing £25m Saudi Arabia transfer after being left out in cold by Aston Villa

    LEON BAILEY is expected to seal a life-changing £25 million move to Saudi Arabia this week.The Aston Villa forward is the subject of an offer believed to be from league newcomers Neom.Leon Bailey scored only two goals in 38 games for Villa this seasonCredit: ReutersThe Jamaican international did not enjoy a good second half of the seasonCredit: ReutersVilla boss Unai Emery has a big summer ahead of himCredit: ReutersHis agents have already held initial discussions with the Pro League club.Jamaican international Bailey, 27, is set to earn up to £10 million a year, tax-free.He was a key member of the Villa squad that qualified for the Champions League last season but has since fallen out of favour.The emergence of Morgan Rogers and the arrival of Marcus Rashford, combined with a series of niggling injuries, frustrated Bailey throughout the past campaign.READ MORE FOOTBALLBailey’s imminent departure adds to mounting speculation that Emi Martinez could also leave the club this summer.The Argentine World Cup winner was left in tears after Villa’s final home game of the season, further fuelling rumours that it may have been his last appearance at Villa Park.When asked about the futures of both Bailey and Martinez ahead of the final game of the season, Villa boss Unai Emery said: “Now we are focused on the matches we are playing. “It is the last match here I don’t know, we will see. We will see about the team and the players. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”How they respond and how focused they are on how we prepare for games.”Why these WILD Chris Wood & Morgan Rogers stats could spell disaster for Chelsea & Man Utd | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerVilla are set for a big summer having already said goodbye to winger Marcus Rashford, who arrived from Manchester United late last season and made a significant impact.The 27-year-old had been sidelined by United manager Ruben Amorim but was a breath of fresh air as Villa narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot.Sunsport understands Rashford has not entirely ruled out a return to Villa Park. However, interest from clubs abroad has made negotiations delicate at this stage.Martinez, 32, fuelled speculation when he broke down in tears and  took a bow in front of the Holte End after Villa’s final home game of the season.Some feared it was a farewell and since then he was  linked with a  lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League.Man United, Arsenal, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also rumoured to be keen.Martinez’s contract runs until 2029 but a bid of £40million or more would ease Villa’s PSR concerns. More

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    Joao Pedro slapped with £70m price tag as Arsenal consider entering transfer race for Brighton star

    BRIGHTON have slapped a whopping £70million price tag on striker Joao Pedro.Interest in the Brazilian, 23, has heightened as it appears the Seagulls are willing to do business.Joao Pedro is attracting plenty of transfer interestCredit: ReutersBut they will only be listening to offers around that figure, a huge mark-up on a player who joined in a £35m deal from Watford in July 2023.Newcastle, Liverpool Arsenal and Aston Villa are thought to be keen.Pedro hit ten goals in 27 Prem games last term.But he was left out of the last two games of the season by boss Fabian Hurzeler after a training-ground bust-up with team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAhead of Brighton’s final day victory at Tottenham, boss Hurzeler offered an update on Pedro’s situation.The 32-year-old said: “With Joao, we had a small issue in training, a type which isn’t uncommon from time to time at all football clubs.“We dealt with it internally and the matter is closed.“Joao is an incredible football player, he is a match-winner for us and he is a great player and that’s why we invested in him.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“But there are principles, there are values that are non-negotiable that count for everyone. I don’t make any compromises.“I am sure that Joao is still a young player, there is still a lot of potential where he will grow.What does Brighton player Joao Pedro’s controversial ‘throat-cutting’ goal celebration mean?“I am sure that he will learn from this and come back stronger next season.“I am really looking forward to seeing him renewed and reinvigorated at his highest peak into our team. That is all I would say to this.”The only thing is how we dealt with it as a football club, how we dealt with it as a team.”Meanwhile, the Albion boss is set to offer a new one-year deal to veteran midfielder James Milner.The 39-year-old revealed this week that he had feared he would not walk again after surgery.He is 16 league games from breaking Gareth Barry’s  Prem appearance record of 653 matches.James Milner has been offered a contract extensionCredit: Getty More