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    Sir Alex Ferguson’s classy gesture to Danny Welbeck revealed 12 years after striker last played for Man Utd legend

    DANNY WELBECK has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson still calls him after games.The Brighton star, 34, came through the ranks at Manchester United under the legendary Scot.Danny Welbeck recently scored a brilliant goal against NewcastleCredit: GettySir Alex Ferguson remains in contact with his ex-playersCredit: ReutersWelbeck won a Premier League title with the Red Devils, but was sold to Arsenal just 12 months after Ferguson’s 2013 departure.Ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup quarter-finals, the striker revealed that his old boss, 83, contacted him after his goal against Newcastle in the last round.Speaking to the BBC, Welbeck said: “[Sir Alex Ferguson] actually phoned me after the Newcastle goal.”He talked about the goal and the performance.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”He was buzzing and to have that sort of connection, he is a manager who is always looking out for his players, always wants the best for them, and still to this day is in contact.”Welbeck’s brilliant extra time winner against Newcastle set up this Saturday’s quarter-final between Brighton and Nottingham Forest.The former England star has had a productive season on the South Coast, scoring seven Premier League goals in just 17 starts.His Toon strike even prompted former Man Utd team-mate Wayne Rooney to make a big claim.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWelbeck played under Sir Alex at Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Red Devils’ all-time leading goalscorer, 39, said: “Danny’s great to play alongside.”If I’m completely honest I’d probably like to still see him here, playing for Manchester United.Danny Welbeck lifts lid on ex-Man Utd players’ WhatsApp group including one huge star who just ‘chats and chats’ “He’s scored goals throughout his career. He had injuries in the early part of his career but he seems to have got over them and he’s having a fantastic season.”Welbeck recently revealed that he is part of a WhatsApp group full of former Man Utd stars.He told Sky Sports: “Everybody plays a part. It’s a lot of banter, chatting about football and a lot of banter.”Asked who the admin is, Welbeck replied: “I think it might be Rio [Ferdinand].”He just chats doesn’t he. You know what he’s like he just chats and chats.”He loves it. He’s making a career out of talking now so… we give me a lot of stick too.” More

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    Chelsea transfer target gets instantly booked for pointless skill before all-out brawl in derby clash

    CHELSEA target Neyser Villarreal’s cheeky skill sparked chaos in a derby match in Colombia.Tempers flared after the 19-year-old was given a yellow card for his provocative tactics when his Millonarios F.C side were 2-0 up over Santa Fe.Chelsea transfer target gets instantly booked for pointless skill as all out brawl is sparked in derby clashCredit: XFury incited among both sets of players as soon as Villarreal was booked for his pointless ballstandingSanta Fe players began pushing and shoving the cheeky 19-year-old awayBefore Villarreal began running away from the meleeHis team-mates began protecting VillarealMillonarios manager David Gonzalez quickly subbed Villarreal off after another player shoved him a few minutes later.With Millonarios in possession and pushing for a third in the 76th minute, Villarreal seemingly chose to wind up the opposition over his side’s dominance.As Christian Mafla was approaching him, Villarreal skilfully stood on the ball before passing to his team-mate and running into the box.But the referee Jose Ortiz immediately noticed and began running over with his book out.Many believe the audacious move undermined sportsmanship and sporting integrity – especially as Santa Fe were down to ten men.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLaw 12 of the Laws of the Game specifies that unsporting behavior can lead to a caution (yellow card), and showboating can fall under that category.Fury incited among both sets of players as soon as Villarreal was booked for his pointless ballstanding.Several Santa Fe players began pushing him around the box before his team-mates piled in to protect him.Villarreal then ran away down the pitch, before he was followed by veteran pros Mafla and Hugo Rodallega Martinez.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMillonarios manager David Gonzalez quickly subbed Villarreal off after another player shoved him a few minutes later.The match finished 2-0 to leave Santa Fe second and move Millonarios fifth in the Categoria Primera A standings.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsSunSport understands that Chelsea are keeping an eye on Villarreal ahead of the summer window.The teenager helped Colombia to third in the U-20 South American Championships this year.He has provided one assist in 12 appearances for Millonarios since joining the first team.Last year, Chelsea signed South American wonderkid Estevao Willian from Palmeiras in a £28m deal.The 17-year-old Brazilian will arrive in Cobham this summer.Meanwhile, Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, Angelo and 17-year-old Kendry Paez will also arrive in 2025. More

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    Premier League to have TWO summer transfer windows for first time in history as new dates are revealed

    THE PREMIER League’s summer transfer window will be split in TWO after a club vote.Prem regulations state the summer window can last a maximum of 12 weeks, with the winter period lasting a maximum of one month.Signings can be announced from June 1Alexander Isak will be wanted by several clubs during the summerCredit: GettyBut new temporary transfer regulations introduced by Fifa to allow clubs to register new signings ahead of this summer’s expanded Club World Cup have forced a one-off change of rules.Contracts have traditionally expired on June 30, the “end” of the season, with players officially joining new clubs from July 1.But Fifa announced clubs involved in the 32-team tournament would be able to register new players between June 1 and June 10.And while Chelsea and Manchester City are the only Prem teams involved in this summer’s £770m competition in the USA, club chiefs agreed at their shareholder meeting in central London to align their own regulations with world chiefs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a statement, the Prem said: “Premier League clubs have today agreed the dates for the Summer 2025 Transfer Window.“The window will open early, between Sunday 1 June and Tuesday 10 June, due to an exceptional registration period relating to the FIFA Club World Cup.“It will then reopen on Monday 16 June and close on Monday 1 September.”The current rulebook, in place for this season, states that the summer window should start “at midnight on the date 12 weeks prior to the date on which it is to conclude”.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThat would have meant an opening to the window from June 9, although players moving clubs would not have been eligible to play for their new side until the start of July.But club bosses agreed that the 12-week maximum period should remain, bringing the decision to have two separate periods when deals can be made.Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup drawThe confirmation of the September 1 closing date comes despite a majority of club sporting directors having signaled they wanted the window to shut BEFORE the start of the Prem campaign on the weekend of August 16.But club chiefs feared a repeat of what happened when a similar approach applied by the Prem in  isolation to the rest of Europe in 2018 led to clubs unable to replace players lost to clubs outside England in the final two weeks of the global window.Discussion over a window alignment between the Big Five leagues have been held in recent months but at this stage there is no agreement – although Germany’s Bundesliga is in favour.But it was agreed at today’s meeting that the Prem cannot go it alone again and that an early closure must be confirmed by all five major leagues before it is a feasible move.Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad is said to be a target for Arsenal and Man UtdCredit: RexChelsea and Man City are both set to be in Club World Cup actionCredit: AFPEkitike could be on his way from the BundesligaCredit: Rex More

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    Marcus Rashford sells Lamborghini supercar for £450,000 and buys incredibly rare £177,000 Audi

    CAR obsessed Marcus Rashford has ditched his Lamborghini supercar for a roomier estate – a brand new £177,000 Audi RS 6 Avant GT.The speedy Man Utd ace, currently on loan at Aston Villa, added the special edition Audi to his collection after waiting months for it to be delivered.Man Utd’s Marcus Rashford has sold his incredible £450,000 Lamborghini super carCredit: Youtube / Warford CarsThe ace has splashed out £177k on a rare new AudiCredit: AudiRashford will be hoping the fresh motor can see him hit top form at loan side Aston VillaCredit: GettyThe estate car can comfortably fit five passengers and has plenty of boot space.But the meaty performance motor also has a top speed of 190mph and can do 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds.Only 660 have been made worldwide and the GT boasts a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine, which produces 630 horsepower and 850 Newton-metres (Nm) of torque.This comes after SunSport learned the 27-year-old star has flogged his £450,000 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe sold the V12 supercar to a rally driver and the personalised motor, which has Rashford’s signature on the door sills and his emblem between the two seats, has since popped up in a YouTube video.In the video posted on the Warford Cars YouTube channel earlier this month, the new owner is identified only as James, a rally driver.James said he bought the car for £450,000, direct from Lamborghini and it had 4,000 miles on the clock.It’s likely Rashford paid similar for the car when he bought it new and then sold it to Lamborghini who sold it on for a profit.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSRashford’s Lamborghini has already been snapped upCredit: Youtube / Warford CarsIt made a surprise appearance on a YouTube videoCredit: Youtube / Warford CarsThe striker was in the news again for his cars just last week when his £700,000 Rolls-Royce had to be towed off a motorway following a tyre blow-out.Rashford was on England duty when the car broke down on the M60 on March 21. It was not known who was driving.Moment Marcus Rashford’s £700k Rolls-Royce is towed off motorway after tyre blew outThe posh motor was stranded for more than an hour at the spot near where another of his Rolls Royces was written off in a 2023 crash.The vehicle was so badly wrecked, Rashford was forced to flog it for a hugely discounted £184,000 at auction.The forward then replaced it with an almost identical car in May last year – opting for white instead of grey.Last year Rashford was banned from driving for six months after he was caught bombing down a motorway at 104mph in another of his flashy Rolls-Royces.Cops caught the winger speeding in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Blue Shadow on the M60 in Manchester on December 12, 2023.The car loving ace seems to operate a revolving door of luxury supercars.He has also owned a £350,000 Lamborghini Urus Performante, a £360,000 McLaren 765 Long Tail, a £170,000 Mercedes G-Wagon and a custom £180,000 Mercedes Vito Maybach van.On the pitch, things are in top gear for Rashford.READ MORE SUN STORIESHaving made a major impact at Aston Villa since agreeing a January loan move to the Midlands, Rashford made a return to the England set-up during the current international break.Rashford started both England games as the Three Lions beat Albania and Latvia. More

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    Taking cocaine at Chelsea was the worst decision I made during career – I could have won the Ballon d’Or easily

    ADRIAN MUTU believes that he could have won the Ballon d’Or, if not for taking cocaine.The former striker, 46, signed for Chelsea from Parma in a £16million deal in 2003.Adrian Mutu signed for Chelsea under Claudio Ranieri in 2003Credit: AFPThe Romanian had a decent first season at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyMutu was a regular in his first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 10 goals in all competitions under Claudio Ranieri.The Romanian hardly featured under Ranieri’s successor Jose Mourinho, however, with the pair clashing over his fitness.Things then went from bad to worse in October 2004, when Mutu was hit with a seven-month ban after testing positive for cocaine.The forward would never play for the Blues again, subsequently signing for Juventus in the next transfer window.READ MORE ON CHELSEAMutu believes that had he sought help during his Chelsea stint, his career in England could have been very different.Mutu told the Telegraph: “Taking cocaine during my time at Chelsea was the worst decision I could have made in my career. “I was alone and sad, but neither depression nor anything else justified my actions.”I should have asked for help, and I didn’t. However, you learn from everything in life, and the lesson made me a better person – much more mature and self aware. And I’m proud of that.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMutu went on to salvage his career in Italy, particularly at Fiorentina – where he scored 69 goals across a five-year stint.But the 77-cap former Romania star believes he could have been regarded among the very best.Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifelineOn the Ballon d’Or, Mutu added: “I’ve reflected on that many times. I believe that for more than a season, I was amongst the best players in the world, so I could have won it easily.”But bad decisions prevented me from doing so. I try not to beat myself up about it.”Since hanging up his boots in 2016, Mutu has become a manager.The former Chelsea striker has already managed six clubs, as well as Romania’s Under-21s.His most recent spell was with Romanian side Petrolul Ploiesti, although he left after just four months.Mutu has admitted that he would be interested in coaching in England one day.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe controversial star said: “England is the birthplace of the best football. Many of the top coaches today manage Premier League clubs, and foreign managers have made the league more interesting and better.”Without a doubt, it would be a huge step in my career.”Mutu has worked as a manager since hanging up his bootsCredit: Getty More

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    Premier League legend’s daughter sends fans wild as she strips to lingerie and sprawls on sofa for racy photo

    JADE LEBOEUF sent fans wild as she stripped to lingerie and sprawled on the sofa for a racy photo.The daughter of Chelsea legend Frank Lebouef could not resist putting on a fresh racy display this week.Jade Leboeuf left little to the imagination with another racy snapShe stripped off for her latest photos onlineShe is the daughter of Chelsea legend FrankCredit: GettyJade left very little to the imagination with her new post.The influencer and model has garnered an army of fans with her sizzling snaps.And she boasts a massive quarter of a million Instagram followers.But Jade’s latest offering left many in disbelief.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ace stripped down to her underwear before lying on a bed.She then posted a heartfelt message next to it.It read: “My femininity is being a mother, an entrepreneur, a friend, a daughter, a sister, but above all, it’s being me. “It’s carrying, creating, listening, loving, and expressing myself as I wish without having to apologise for being a woman. Most read in Football“It’s also embracing my sensuality. And for me, there’s no question of sacrificing one facet for another. They coexist and they build me. “And if there’s one part of me that I fully accept and have always trusted, it’s this one.”Chelsea legend’s daughter cheekily shows off her bum in bold outfit as stunned fans say ‘excuse me?’ Fans hailed Jade’s latest offering.One said: “I love it.”Another declared: “Gorgeous.”One noted: “Beautiful.”Another added: “Magnificent.”Take a look inside Jade’s glamorous life…Jade has built up a loyal following on social mediaCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufThe stunning model is followed by over a quarter of a million peopleCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufShe regularly shares risque contentCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufThe French national works as a modelCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufShe was used to the limelight from an early age as the daughter of Chelsea legend Frank LeboeufCredit: Instagram @jadeleboeufJade describes herself as a digital creatorCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHer posts tend to draw hoards of comments with fans often describing her as ‘beautiful’ and ‘sexy’Credit: instagram @jade_leboeufShe’s not afraid to wear revealing outfitsCredit: jade_leboeuf/instagramSee-through outfits are a favouriteCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHer father Frank played for Chelsea from 1996 to 2001Credit: Instagram @jadeleboeufHe won two FA Cups during his time in West London when Jade was still a kidCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeufHe was also a World Cup winner with France in 1998, giving him legendary status in his home countryCredit: INSTAGRAM @jade_leboeufJade is now making her own wayCredit: Instagram @jade_leboeuf More

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    Chelsea’s estranged owners in rare agreement as they make major Stamford Bridge stadium decision

    CHELSEA’S estranged owners are united in their mission to demolish Stamford Bridge.Chairman Todd Boehly has called for solidarity in the boardroom over plans for the club’s cramped stadium.Chelsea’s co-owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly have put their differences aside to make a decision about the future of Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyThe duo aim to demolish Stamford Bridge and build a new stadiumCredit: GettySunSport can reveal co-owner Behdad Eghbali has put aside his business differences with Boehly to favour a total reconstruction job over redeveloping the existing stadium.American Boehly prefers a complete rebuild of the 40,173 capacity West London ground.He said: “I think we’re going to be building something new.”Stamford Bridge has been the Blues’ home since 1905 and options are so limited that staying put may emerge as the only viable plan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut a club insider said: “A remodel of Stamford Bridge is impossible. It could only be a full rebuild.“That would mean between five and seven years away — and where could they play?”Chelsea have looked at moving temporarily to Wembley as Tottenham did for nearly two seasons between 2017 and 2019.Nearby Earl’s Court has also been mooted as a possible relocation site as well as the Allianz Stadium at Twickenham, England’s rugby union HQ.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeChelsea’s board purchased flats behind the West Stand recently but are still stuck in a rut over how to bring their ground up to date.One end backs on to a Tube line and the famous Shed End is bordered by two hotels.Inside Chelsea’s new £1.6BILLION stadium plans with Stamford Bridge project set to rival Tottenham’sOur club source added: “Earl’s Court is one of the few places in the area that has available land but there are multiple organisations with stakes in that.”Dan Silver, board member of the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust, said: “If Stamford Bridge is to be demolished, I hope it is done in a reasonable timeframe. The club needs to increase revenue.” More

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    ‘I’d advise him not to go’ – Liam Delap warned to pick next club carefully by Prem icon with Man Utd and Chelsea linked

    HARRY KANE’S heir Liam Delap has been warned: Choose your next club carefully.Delap will be a summer target for top-flight giants, regardless of whether he is able to help Ipswich pull off a great escape.Liam Delap has been warned to pick his next club correctlyCredit: GettyThe Ipswich striker has been linked with some of England’s biggest clubsCredit: GettyJimmy Floyd Hasselbaink knows from working as a strikers coach under ex-England boss Gareth Southgate how few No 9s there are in the domestic game —  and why £50million-rated Delap catches the eye.But the ex-hitman told SunSport: “With Delap, I know big clubs are looking at him.“Ipswich look like they are going down. He needs to stay in the Premier League.“If he’s playing in a more established Premier League team, what can he deliver?Read More in Football“It’s important that he plays. If he’s going to be second choice — if I’m his agent, I’d advise him not to go.”Hasselbaink, 52, scored 127 Prem goals for Leeds, Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Charlton.The Dutchman’s career in this country overlapped with a number of English centre-forwards — Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Andrew Cole, Jermain Defoe, Michael Owen and Les Ferdinand.But English No 9s are a dying breed. Under-21 ace Delap was bubbling  with enthusiasm after training with Three Lions captain Harry Kane for the first time last week.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDelap has been tipped to eventually replace Harry Kane in the England set-up when the Bayern striker retiresCredit: GettyBetween Delap, 22, and Kane, 31, there are not a lot of international-level English centre-forwards.New Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel picked Dominic Solanke and Marcus Rashford, both 27, ahead of Delap, with 29-year-old Ollie Watkins injured.Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifelineHasselbaink rates Watkins and Solanke highly.But he told Gambling Zone: “They need to show consistency to put pressure on Harry Kane.“Kane needs to feel his place can be taken. That is healthy.”Delap is the third highest-scoring English-man in the Prem, with ten, behind Cole Palmer (14) and Watkins (13).Kevin Betsy was Delap’s head coach for four years with England’s youth teams.During Betsy’s time at the FA, it was recognised that English football was not producing as many centre-forwards as before and he  conducted his own study into the issue.Betsy recognised aspects of the academy system were hampering the  emergence of more strikers like Delap.Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink claims Delap must stay in the Prem if Ipswich get relegatedCredit: PAFirst, there was a broader backlash against early developers like Delap, who dominated in youth football.Some coaches — in their determination to give smaller, more technical, youngsters the chance to blossom later — went too far the other way.Betsy, now a first-team coach at QPR, said “The result was a lot of No 10s were created, like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, and not so many No 9s.”Many clubs are now aware of that issue and of the need for more striker-specific coaching.And Hasselbaink said: “The good old-fashioned No 9s are not in fashion.“But because football is always in cycles, they will come back.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUntil they do, players like Delap will attract huge attention — and fees to match.For more, go to gamblingzone.com/uk/the-zone/sports/jimmy-floyd-hasselbaink-exclusive/ More