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      ‘My old vets team would have bought him for that’ – Arsenal legend stunned at tiny fee AC Milan paid for Kyle Walker

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      PAUL MERSON was left stunned by the bargain fee AC Milan have paid for Kyle Walker.The 34-year-old’s glittering seven-and-a-half years at Manchester City officially came to an end yesterday.Kyle Walker joined in with AC Milan training today for the first timeCredit: GettyPaul Merson reckons Milan have got a bargain deal for the right-backWalker has moved to Milan initially on loan until the end of the season.But the England right-back is not expected to return in the summer as the deal includes a buy option worth £4million.Arsenal legend Paul Merson was left shocked by the low price City accepted.He told Sky Sports: “I don’t think Kyle Walker could play ever game at the moment, but he could still do a job.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”For me, for the sake of the fee of £4m, the vets team I used to play for would have bought him for that.”On top of the fee, SunSport understands that Milan will pick up the majority of his £150,000 weekly pay packet.The Serie A side’s local rivals Inter were also keen on signing him but wages proved a stumbling block.There was also a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side, but Walker was keen to still play at the highest level.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWalker joined in with training at his new club for the first time today. That was after saying farewell to City in a touching social media post, thanking Pep Guardiola, his team-mates and fans.Inside Kyle Walker and wife Annie Kilner’s move to Wags’ paradise Milan to put his sex scandals behind himIt read: “Manchester City… where do I start? Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true.”Seven years later, winning 17 trophies, including the Champions League and the famous treble is something I could only have dreamt as a child.”To play alongside so many talented players has pushed me to be the best version of myself, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity I’ve had at the Etihad.”A huge thank you to so many people, the coaching staff, the kit men and all the backroom staff who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes. You make every day enjoyable and provide the platform for us to perform at our best.”To my team-mates, from the moment I walked through the door I felt at home. Thank you for the great memories and for all the success we have shared together. You are friends, but also family for life.”To Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me and working so hard to bring me here in 2017.”Together, we’ve celebrated 17 trophies, and your guidance has helped shape me into the player I am today. I’ll be forever grateful.READ MORE SUN STORIES”To Annie and all my family who have been there and supported me on this journey thank you.”Lastly, to the fans—thank you for embracing me as one of your own from day one. Your unwavering support, week in, week out, home and away, will never be forgotten. I wish you all constant success going forward. Thank you, Kyle.” More

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      Is Wolves vs Arsenal on TV? How to follow huge Premier League clash from Molineux

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      ARSENAL return to Premier League action with a trip to Molineux to take on Wolves.The Gunners are six points off leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand over the North Londoners. Kai Havertz was on the scoresheet against Aston Villa last weekendCredit: GettyWolves are looking to get back to winning ways after three straight defeats in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyArsenal had to settle for a gut-wrenching 2-2 draw with Aston Villa last Saturday.Mikel Arteta’s side took a two-goal lead after strikes from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz.But a crazy eight-minute period in the second half saw the Villans score twice through Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins.Today, Arsenal will be looking to pounce on a struggling Wolves side that have lost their last three games in the Premier League, scoring just one goal and conceding nine.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen is Wolves vs Arsenal?Wolves vs Arsenal will take place on Saturday, January 25.Kick off is at 3pm GMT.Molineux will host.Is Wolves vs Arsenal on TV?Arsenal’s huge Premier League clash with Wolves will NOT be broadcast on live TV in the UK.This is due to the 3pm blackout rule in the UK. But fear not, Arsenal fans…You can keep up to date with all the action from Wolves vs Arsenal by following SunSport’s live blog of the Premier League clash.Most read in FootballWhat other Premier League fixtures are taking place during Matchweek 23?Saturday, January 25Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest (3pm)Brighton vs Everton (3pm)Liverpool vs Ipswich (3pm)Southampton vs Newcastle United (3pm)Wolves vs Arsenal (3pm)Manchester City vs Chelsea (5.30pm)Sunday, January 26Crystal Palace vs Brentford (2pm)Tottenham vs Leicester (2pm)Aston Villa vs West Ham (4.30pm)Fulham vs Manchester United (7pm) More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Salah doubles leaders Liverpool lead, Isak brace for Toon – updates

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      MATCHWEEK 23 of the Premier League is packed full of thrilling action.Liverpool face Ipswich Town in the standout 3pm match, while high-flying Nottingham Forest travel to the South Coast to take on Bournemouth.In the late kick-off, fans are treated to a blockbuster clash between top-four rivals Manchester City and Chelsea.Kick off times: 3pm/5.30pm GMTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…From Graham Nickless at the Vitality StadiumBournemouth well deserved their half-time lead with home fans singing: “Champions League you’re having a laugh.” The nearest Forest came to equalising Kluivert’s explosive opebetveas when Yates forced a save out of Cherries goalkeeper Kepa with a 28-yard drive.Copy linkCopiedFrom Jordan Davies at MolineuxOne of the worst decisions I have ever seen in this job or watching football in general.It is a cynical yellow card from inside the Wolves half, and yet referee Michael Oliver has clearly deemed it to be one of either a) a denial of a goal scoring opportunity or b) serious violent conduct/foul play.It is neither, in my book. Absolutely ludicrous.Mikel Arteta has kept his cool so far. Just wait until full-time…Copy linkCopiedFrom Jack Rosser at St Mary’s Newcastle responded superbly to going a goal behind, but Eddie Howe will not be confident that this is over.Southampton showed at Nottingham Forest that even if a game looks dead they can cause trouble and they started to gain a bit of momentum at the end of that first half.Copy linkCopiedPlenty of talking pointsBournemouth lead through man-of-the-moment Justin Kluivert in the big battle with Nottingham Forest.It’s the Alexander Isak show once again as Newcastle lead Southampton.Liverpool are comfortable against Ipswich.Everton lead at the Amex from the spot.And Arsenal are being held by Wolves, with Myles Lewis-Skelly sent off just before the break. Some saying it’s the worst decision they’ve ever seen.Copy linkCopiedHALF TIME!An incredibly lively first 45 minutes in the Premier League:Bournemouth 1-0 Nottingham ForestBrighton 0-1 EvertonLiverpool 3-0 IpswichSouthampton 1-2 Newcastle UnitedWolves 0-0 Arsenal 🔴Copy linkCopied45+4 – Liverpool 3-0 IpswichAlmost the best assist you’ll ever see.Trent Alexander-Arnold pings a sensational cross on the volley which just evades Diaz. If he’d got something on it we’d be talking about that pass for years.Copy linkCopied44 – GOAL!! LIVERPOOL 3-0 IpswichIt’s CODY GAKPO with the third for the leaders and they’re threatening to run riot!And this one is all too easy. Gravenberch with a peach of a pass into the box for Szoboszlai who has been instrumental in this 45 minutes.He helps the ball on towards goal but the keeper saves it, only parrying it to Gakpo following in who rolls it into an empty net.So clinical.Copy linkCopied43 – RED CARD – MYLES LEWIS-SKELLYMichael Oliver sends off the Arsenal youngster just before the break.Matt Doherty on the break was brought down by the teenager right in front of the referee, who shows him a straight red card.Tim Sherwood tells Soccer Saturday: “I can’t believe it, he’s 70 yards from goal. That’s never ever a red card!”Copy linkCopiedFrom Isabelle Barker at the AmexAR never show replays on the big screen for fans but in what seems like a technical cock up a clip of Joel Veltman’s handball offence has just been displayed for all the fans to see. The Brighton fans went ballistic, booing referee Tim Robinson while the livid players swarmed him too, with Bart Vebruggen booked for protesting. Robinson didn’t give the penalty initially as he felt it was a coming together of Veltman and Beto, but he was then called to the monitor and it didn’t take him long to change his mind.  Copy linkCopied42 – GOAL!! Brighton 0-1 EVERTONThe Toffees do lead from the spot and it’s ILIMAN NDIAYE!The keeper does go the right way but Ndiaye’s finish is into the corner of the net, giving him no chance on the stretch.The Amex still raging at that decision and boo throughout.Copy linkCopiedPENALTY GIVENBut Brighton are absolutely livid. And the supporters are furious and chanting ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’.This coming after the incident was shown on the big screen after the decision was awarded.Veltman was nudged by Beto but the referee deems it not enough to not award the penalty.Copy linkCopiedFrom Jack Rosser at St Mary’sIf Southampton’s opener was a surprise, their collapse has been entirely predictable.As has Alexander Isak’s involvement in it.The Swede saw his eight game scoring run ended by Bournemouth last week but it has not dented his confidence in the slightest.The penalty was a composed finished and the way he controlled Jacob Murphy’s excellent pass and finished with the next touch showed a striker who is operating purely on instinct.Copy linkCopiedVAR CHECKThis looks like being a penalty to Everton on the south coast.Veltman appears to have handballed it when retreating to challenge Beto. The referee is about to be sent to his monitor here.Copy linkCopiedFrom Graham Nickless at the Vitality StadiumJustin Kluivert stunned title outsiders Forest with a ninth minute solo goal that would have made birthday boy Nuno Espírito Santo choke on his cake. The Dutchman was allowed to run from deep inside his own half and, as three Forest defenders held off, he smacked home his 12th goal of the campaign from 25 yards. The Cherries were causing their usual chaos upfront with Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels forced to make saves from Ryan Christie and Antoine Semenyo.Copy linkCopied35 – GOAL!! LIVERPOOL 2-0 IpswichThe leaders double their lead through MO SALAH but how on earth has he scored from there!?Gakpo’s cross from the left almost finds Szoboszlai who jumps high but he can’t get high enough to meet it.But it falls to Salah behind him who kills the ball superbly and from a ridiculously tight angle he flashes a left-footed strike into the roof of the net.The keeper will be disappointed to concede that. Though maybe that’s a touch harsh. Stunning finish regardless!Copy linkCopied30 – GOAL!! Southampton 1-2 NEWCASTLEStunning goal from the Toon and ALEXANDER ISAK has another one!This one is all about Jacob Murphy. The winger collects a pass from Tonali just inside the Saints half and he works his way into the middle of the park.Murphy then zings a pass into the path of Isak on the edge of the box who takes a stunning first touch on his left foot before opening his body up to curl a finish with his right foot in off the right-hand side post.Thierry Henry-esque. Crackee.Copy linkCopied29 – Liverpool 1-0 IpswichLong delay at Anfield as the stretcher is called for Wes Burns.It looks a really bad one too in a coming together with Gakpo, though completely accidental.He looks in some pain and the four sides of Anfield clap him as he’s carried off.Copy linkCopiedFrom Jordan Davies at MolineuxArsenal have been on top and their two younglings in Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have been very impressive so far.That back four also looks just so much more solid with William Saliba dictating things. Kai Havertz needs to find his shooting boots soon if Arsenal are to go into half-time on top.Though he was just denied with a header by an incredible Jose Sa stop.Copy linkCopiedPremier League latest scoresLively opening quarter of today’s games.Bournemouth 1-0 Nottingham ForestBrighton 0-0 EvertonLiverpool 1-0 IpswichSouthampton 1-1 Newcastle UnitedWolves 0-0 ArsenalCopy linkCopied26 – GOAL!! Southampton 1-1 NEWCASTLEIt’s him again – ALEXANDER ISAK with his 16th Premier League goal!No doubt it was a penalty and probably should’ve been given in real time.But Isak – who was fouled in the move for the penalty – dusts himself down with a stuttered penalty to sit and send Alex McCarthy the wrong way. Level on the south coast!Copy linkCopiedPENALTY NEWCASTLEThe referee is sent to the screen and takes an absolute age for some reason to award it.Prior to that, Mike Dean on Soccer Saturday said: “I’ll be astounded if he doesn’t give this.”But after taking a long while, he does eventually award it.Copy linkCopiedVAR CHECKAlexander Isak goes down in the box at St Mary’s and it looks like this could well be a Newcastle penalty.In fact, it absolutely should be.Copy linkCopied19 – Wolves 0-0 ArsenalFirst real chance for the visitors and they should be ahead. Trossard curls a decent ball in from the left and Havertz meets it with his head six yards out and puts it wide.Copy linkCopiedLively startThree goals in quick succession across the league then and plenty happening.That Dominic Calvert-Lewin injury is really bad news for Everton, especially having ended a long, long goal drought last weekend.Copy linkCopiedFrom Isabelle Barker at the Amex It is worrying signs for Everton with Dominic Calvert-Lewin limping off the pitch after pulling up with a hamstring injury off the ball just 16 minutes in. The Toffees striker was unable to continue after appearing to over extend his hamstring when landing. He made way for Beto and as things stand, Everton now have just one fit senior striker in their first team squad.Copy linkCopied More

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      Fulham fans slam their own club as ‘shameless’ as they release ticket statement ahead of Man Utd clash

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      FULHAM fans have slammed their own club as “shameless” ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Manchester United.Marco Silva’s side are set to host the Red Devils at Craven Cottage on Sunday at 7pm.The ticket prices of Fulham’s Riverside Stand have caused controversyCredit: AFPThe majority of tickets in their new Riverside Stand cost a staggering £160 – the highest price for any non-corporate seat in the Premier League.These seats are priced at £140 for those aged 18-21 or 65+, and £80 for Under-18s.Seats in the corners of the stand are priced at £150 for adults.As of Saturday lunchtime, the match had not yet sold out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTickets initially went on sale to members earlier this month, with season ticket holders then able to purchase extra seats.Earlier this week, tickets went on general sale, meaning that even supporters that have never bought a Fulham ticket before can get their hands on four each.The Cottagers’ X account has frequently posted advertising tickets.These posts have received a significant backlash from supporters disgusted with Fulham’s unprecedented pricing model.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYFulham’s ticket price saga explainedA Craven Cottage season ticket holder of 20 years has explained their pricing saga to SunSport”The fact that the game isn’t sold out isn’t a surprise to most Fulham fans with the club’s outrageous ticket pricing strategy.”No right-minded Fulham fan is going to fork out £160 for a seat in the Riverside, £70-80 for a seat in the Hammersmith End is way too much in first place.”No wonder they’ve had to do daily adverts, put on general sale and even advertise in the Metro. But this isn’t anything new, Fulham have had ticket price issues and protests dating back to Stop the Greed at Man City (H) in 2019.”I think the club’s hierarchy don’t realise what this bums on seats strategy has caused. It’s killed any atmosphere, as the people who can afford the non-season ticket holder seats aren’t exactly a vocal majority.”Then there was Chelsea away where they decided to put the club’s biggest game of the season on sale with no loyalty points to appease their higher spending customers.”Most fans are enjoying the outside of London away days simply due to the fact they feel like a proper Fulham end ie Leicester away last week.”CEO Alistair Mackintosh, director David Daly and the Khans are pricing out the next generation of fans.”One responded on X: “The penny still hasn’t dropped yet? Shameless.”While a second blasted: “2 days before the game still trying to shift these £160 tickets eh? Your obsession with money doesn’t make you see that this is embarrassing for the club.”Premier League club’s incredible new stand boasts ultra VIP experience with rooftop bar and POOLA third commented: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen our club have to post and advertise to sell tickets so much in the space of a week. Maybe have a think on why you can’t sell them.”And another added: “Send the link direct to Utd fans, your own fans are too clever to be ripped off.”Last month, boss Marco Silva appealed to Fulham fans to generate a better atmosphere within Craven Cottage, saying: “I’d like to ask them (for) even more if they can.”They have been great for us – it’s been fantastic since I joined the club. It’s been a long journey for us and a great one. But if they can, we need more and more and more, because it’s a moment of the season that’s going to be tough.”Fulham’s new Riverside Stand possesses non-corporate season tickets costing £3,000.It also boasts lavish VIP facilities, including a rooftop bar, fine dining area and even a swimming pool.During his pre-match press conference yesterday, Silva snapped at a reporter after being quizzed on Man Utd’s recent struggles.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “As I said before, we are here to talk about Fulham vs Manchester United.”If you want comments about Man Utd and if you want comments about what people are saying then you have to ask different people and a different manager, not me.”The Riverside Stand possesses lavish facilitiesCredit: Fulham FCEye-watering prices are charged for VIP packagesCredit: Fulham FC More

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      Joao Felix pulls out of Chelsea squad for Man City clash as he is given leave to fly home for family bereavement

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      CHELSEA star Joao Felix will not feature against Manchester City this afternoon after flying home due to a family bereavement.Felix, 25, has been granted compassionate leave by the Blues.Joao Felix will not feature for Chelsea this afternoonCredit: RexThe Portuguese may have been in contention to feature against City, but will now be unavailable on compassionate grounds.Felix rejoined Chelsea last summer on a permanent deal, following a previous loan spell in 2023.He has made 20 appearances in all competitions this season, including 12 in the Premier League.The attacker has been linked with a Chelsea exit this month, having only earned three Prem starts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEarlier this week, boss Enzo Maresca opened up on Felix’s lack of game time.He said: “Joao is a Chelsea player. The problem, unfortunately, for Joao and Christo [Nkunku], the manager plays most of the games with one attacking midfielder and that is Cole Palmer.“We have decided to play with an attacking midfielder in most of the games, so this is the reason why Joao and Christo struggle to get minutes – not for any different reasons because they are both fantastic players, fantastic guys who work well.“The reason why is only because most of the games I decide to play with one attacking midfielder in terms of balance. This is the reason why.”Most read in FootballFurther quizzed if Felix could leave before the end of the transfer window, Maresca added: “I am not saying that, I am not saying that.”I am saying that I like both but the reason why they struggle is because most of the time I play with one attacking midfielder.”Chelsea player ratings: Chalobah back with a bang but Sanchez drops 2/10 horror show in Wolves winIn further Chelsea team news, Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez will be late decisions having both suffered with knocks.Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia all remain out with thigh injuries. More

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      Football should trial return of pints in the stands… but can minority of fans be trusted to show we’re past dark days?

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      AS ladies say ‘cheers’ to drinking alcohol in the stands at Women’s Championship matches, the chance of a return to a beer or two on all the men’s terraces are about as high as Accrington Stanley winning League Two.Actually, Accrington’s average attendance of 2,509 would be a very good ground at which to start serving alcohol as policing any noisy drunks would be a simple process.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matchesCredit: GettyKarren Brady is happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them she worries about . . .Credit: PABut it isn’t going to happen at Wham Stadium which, incidentally, is not named after (the late and great) George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s pop pairing.Nor anywhere else, at least not in the near future.Drinking alcohol within view of the playing field was stopped in 1985 after a sequence of events involving noisy, sometimes violent, spectators.There are no moves to change the law although there are many ways of buying alcohol beyond a pitch view, and a recent study showed Chelsea fans top the beer table, drinking on average six pints a game.Read More on FootballAt that rate, they might need a half-time substitution for their liver more than their team.The police and stewards are on the look-out for drunks or people bringing alcohol into grounds although some still try. A Leeds supporter succeeded in 2012 and, should anyone need convincing that the ban should end, the facts were he assaulted Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland after running on to the pitch.It transpired that the offender drank countless cans of lager and a bottle of vodka on the journey to the ground. In Sheffield he then drank at least seven pints of cider.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesI feel woozy even writing that. He was jailed for 16 weeks and banned from football grounds for six years.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matches and it made sense supporters should be able to drink wisely during this trial.Watch Ireland captain Katie McCabe star in hilarious Adidas ad ahead of new WSL season with ArsenalIt’s a different crowd, reflected in the fact government data revealed there had been no arrests recorded at women’s football matches.The end of restrictions is positive for several reasons — extra revenue, another attraction for people to attend, and even a tot to cheer fans of the losing side.Supporters of a return to drinks during play can point to rugby and cricket for freedom from limitations.At the Ireland v Scotland match a record 137,000 pints of beer were sold at Stade de France.There was a mass brawl, but that was on the pitch between the players. Drinkers at cricket are often asleep anyway.Women tend to follow the rules rather than consider them a nuisance. We despise violence and bad behaviour, both of which are much more prevalent among men and it is unlikely many will see pie-eyed woman causing trouble at matches.Maybe solution lies in compromiseI would love to make a bonfire of all restrictions but I don’t think it would be possible or responsible.Ultimately, the question isn’t just about alcohol — it’s about trust. Have fans moved on from the dark days of the 80s? Can clubs strike the right balance between modernisation and maintaining order?In football, intensity and passion run high. Add alcohol to this and it can be a problem.The last thing clubs or fans want is a descent into chaos because of a few irresponsible drinkers.The landscape of football has been transformed in those 40 years. Stadiums are safer, crowds are more diverse, and family-friendly atmospheres have replaced toxic environments of the past.Perhaps the solution lies in compromise. Limited trials at selected matches could provide data on whether ending the ban works.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuidelines would have to be stringent and include steps such as alcohol-free zones, stricter ID checks, and time-limited drinking.I am happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them I worry about . . . More

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      Premier League TV games for March announced including Arsenal’s massive games against Man Utd and Chelsea

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE have officially announced the broadcast selections for March.Ten matches from the English top flight will be aired live on television.Arsenal’s trip to Old Trafford is among the Premier League matches to be aired on TV in MarchCredit: PAThe Gunners’ clash with Chelsea will also be aired on the teleCredit: GETTYSky Sports have landed seven of those games, with rivals TNT Sports bagging three.Struggling defending Prem champions Manchester City kick off March’s televised matches on March 8 with a trip to Nottingham Forest.The pick of the bunch is Mancheser United’s clash with Arsenal on March 9, which will be aired on Sky at 16:30.Sky have also landed a tasty London derby between the Gunners Chelsea on March 16.READ MORE PREMIER LEAGUE NEWSA kick-off time for the match, however, has not yet been finalised. Liverpool’s showdown with Aston Villa is set to be the early kick off (12:30) on March 15.But the match could be rescheduled if the Kop club reach the Carabao Cup final or if Villa play in the Champions League the Wednesday before.The televised fixtures don’t just feature the Premier League’s current highfliers.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBroadcasters have also picked up matches involving the league’s relegation battlers.Brentford vs Aston Villa, Wolves vs Everton, Tottenham vs Bournemouth, West Ham vs Newcastle, Bournemouth vs Brentford and Manchester United vs Leicester make up the remainder of March’s televised fixtures.Sky Sports presenter praised by fans after rarely-seen move in interview with Liverpool matchwinner Darwin NunezUnited’s trip to the King Power on March 16 will be the final Prem match before the fourth international break of the season,The break will commence from March 17 and finish on April 1. More

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      West Ham technical director Tim Steidten AXED after fall-out with two managers and £127.5m splurged on transfers

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      WEST HAM are finalising the exit of technical director Tim Steidten.The German, who has clashed with two of the three Hammers managers he worked with, has been frozen out of the club’s January business.West Ham are set to axe technical director Tim SteidtenCredit: PASteidten, 45, was banned from the club’s Rush Green training ground by former boss Julen Lopetegui in December.He was also barred from the first team changing room at the London Stadium by ex-gaffer David Moyes.It would seem he fell out with both managers because he was openly working on their replacements while they were still in the dugout.Chairman David Sullivan took more control of transfer business this month after being concerned by the level of signings in the summer when £127.5million was spent with little impact.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThere have been eyebrows raised over deals for Luis Guilherme, Guido Rodriguez and Niclas Fullkrug.Fullkrug arrived on a four-year-deal for £27.5m from Borussia Dortmund but will miss six months of his first season at the club due to injury.Teenage winger Guilherme was signed for an initial £20m from Palmeiras but has played just 50 minutes of football for West Ham and talks have already been held over selling him to Saudi Arabia.Steidten was involved in the early stages of Graham Potter’s appointment, but vice-chair Karren Brady took charge to agreed the deal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe ex-Chelsea boss has also moved to bring in his long-term recruitment expert, Kyle Macaulay, from Stamford Bridge.Macaulay started this week as the club’s new head of recruitment, effectively replacing Rob Newman who left that post in the summer.West Ham manager Graham Potter gives update on Michail Antonio after horror injury Potter insisted that Macaulay’s arrival would not impact Steidten’s position, but it has long been expected that the German would leave the London Stadium this year.Moyes and Steidten clashed over recruitment policy, with the Scot preferring targets with Premier League experience over the options the technical director proposed.Steidten has landed some key signings for the Hammers, including Mohammed Kudus from Ajax, but often rubbed colleagues up the wrong way by posing for pictures with new signings on private jets.While Sullivan and Brady are taking an active involvement in any deals this month, Potter will have significant influence and Macaulay’s arrival backs that up.The two have worked together since Potter’s days at Ostersunds and during his spells at Swansea, Brighton and then Chelsea.Potter said: “Kyle’s in. Kyle’s been part of my staff for the last ten, however many years I’ve been coaching since Sweden.”I know him well and he knows me well. It’s a good link between the coach and the club in terms of recruitment.”In terms of the hours and depths of conversations that you have to have around recruitment.”It’s easier to have with Kyle than it is for me because clearly I’m on the pitch and I’m working with the 20-odd players that we’ve got here.”I’m really happy with that appointment. It’s something that was always going to happen. It was just a case of when. I’m obviously delighted he’s here.”Steidten arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in July 2023 having previously worked at Werder Bremen.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is not clear at this stage whether West Ham will look to appoint another technical director in the near future.The Hammers have won just seven of their 22 games this season.Macaulay (right) has already taken on many of Steidten’s dutiesCredit: Getty More