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      Man Utd ‘considered £58m transfer for Barcelona star in January’ but wonderkid snubbed move

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      MANCHESTER UNITED considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in January – but he reportedly rejected the switch.The Red Devils were allegedly willing to offer £58m for the 21-year-old midfielder, with Aston Villa also interested.Man Utd considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in JanuaryCredit: RexFermin Lopez opted to stay at BarcelonaCredit: RexUnited wanted Lopez to bolster their midfield options amid another dismal Premier League campaign, according to The Mail.While Villa – who brought in five new players, including Marcus Rashford on loan- were also keen to add Lopez to their ranks.But the Spaniard made it immediately clear that he wouldn’t entertain a move and was desperate to continue at Barca.United are known to be long-time admirers of Lopez’s talents amid their recent changes in midfield.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChristian Eriksen is expected to leave Old Trafford as a free agent in the summer and Casemiro is no longer considered a regular starter.Roma expressed interest in Casemiro in January and United could loan the legendary midfielder out in June.That could mean that Ruben Amorim’s side could go for Lopez again in the next window in a few months time. In October 2024, Lopez signed a new contract at the club until 2029, and it is understood that he has a £416.5m release clause.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLopez wants to fight for his future at Barca after seeing his playing time reduced under new gaffer Hansi Flick.He has scored two goals and provided two assists in 14 LaLiga games this season, having been named in the starting XI on five occasions.Roy Keane breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s shock transfer to Aston Villa and has MAJOR concernLopez – who came through the ranks at Real Betis before moving to La Masia – returned from the Olympics with an injury, which left him out for the first few weeks of the season. The youngster has to battle fierce competition in Barca’s midfield which includes Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado, Gavi and Pablo Torre.Meanwhile, United loaned out Rashford and Antony to reduce their wage bill.But Old Trafford chiefs spent £29.9m on wing-back Patrick Dorgu, while Ayden Heaven joined from Arsenal’s under-21s.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Chelsea fans fume at Enzo Maresca’s ‘fireable statement’ after another early cup exit to Brighton

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      CHELSEA manager Enzo Maresca enraged fans with his post-match statement after his team’s miserable FA Cup elimination.The Blues suffered another heartbreaking cup exit on Saturday after a 2-1 loss to Brighton, who came from behind at the Amex Stadium.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca sparked fury within the fansCredit: GettyChelsea fans slammed Maresca after another cup eliminationCredit: GettyThe West Londoners opened the scoring with an own-goal by the Seagulls’ goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen but equalised with Georginio Rutter and turned the game on its head with Kaoru Mitoma.Chelsea were knocked out in the fourth round of the FA Cup, which marks another early exit after their premature elimination in the Last 16 of the Carabao Cup to Newcastle in October.This comes amid a poor run in the Premier League as well with Maresca’s billion-pound side winning only two out of their last eight matches, of which they lost three, which puts their top-four hopes in peril.Chelsea’s disappointing run has left fans frustrated and the Italian tactician’s post-match comments didn’t make things better as he tried to present a silver lining.Read More on ChelseaThe ex-Leicester boss suggested they could all take comfort in the fact they can still win the Conference League and finish top four in the Prem.Maresca said after the match: “Being out of the FA Cup, it’s a shame. No doubt.”If there is something positive, we can be focused on the Premier League and the Conference League. Hopefully we can continue our journey there.”That didn’t sit well with fans who stormed social media, where some even suggested that was a “fireable” statement.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne fan tweeted: “I don’t hate Maresca but that is a fireable statement for a Chelsea manager.”That Chelsea supporter posted: “Another gem, ‘If there is something good after losing a leg, it is that we can focus on being really excellent at hopping’.”Cole Palmer shows off his goal scoring skills at Chelsea Training A third commented: “Imagine [Jose] Mourinho, [Antonio] Conte or [Thomas] Tuchel saying something like this.”This fan wrote: “This isn’t what Chelsea is about. Small club mentality drilled in from the top to the bottom and it shows on the pitch.”That one said: “Flexing the Conference League? We’ve fallen off so much.”And a sixth stated: “Sometimes it’s better to say ‘no comment’ or you get yourself sentenced. Ridiculous s**t to say this is Chelsea at least by name not by actions.”Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League table with two points ahead of defending champions Manchester City, who are fifth.The Blues also pose as favourites to win the Conference League after topping the league phase and making it straight into the Last 16 by winning all of their six matches.Chelsea ratings vs Brighton as pantomime villain Cucurella can hold head high but Nkunku has a shockerBRIGHTON came from behind to dump Chelsea out of the FA Cup with Kaoru Mitoma’s perfectly placed chip securing a 2-1 win for the Seagulls at the Amex stadium.But how did Chelsea’s players fare? Who was the biggest let down and who was the best of the worst? Check out SunSport’s player ratings…Robert Sanchez – 5/10Back in the side after being dropped by Enzo Maresca after a number of errors this season. The Spaniard looked shaky on the ball at the start of the game but seemed to brush off his nerves as the match developed.Nothing he could do about Brighton’s opener with Georginio Rutter’s perfectly placed header flying past him.Perhaps a little slow off his line for Brighton’s winner, but take nothing away from Kaoru Mitoma’s perfectly executed chip.Malo Gusto – 5Worked tirelessly charging up and down the right flank for Chelsea, but failed to have much joy going forward or defensively.Struggled to deal with the dangerous Mitoma throughout the game, and was caught napping out of position for the Japanese forwards winner.Tosin Adarabioyo – 5Alongside Trevoh Chalobah, was guilty of allowing Georginio Rutter to drift into space to fire home Brighton’s early equaliser.Played some confident passes at times, but also looked like a walking mistake on the ball at times. Was caught in possession on the halfway line by Georginio Rutter which almost led to a Brighton goal.Trevoh Chalobah  – 6Equally as responsible for Brighton’s opening goal alongside his centre back partner, allowing Rutter a free header in the box.Was more composed on the ball than his Tosin throughout the game, however, and already looks like Chelsea’s best centre back after being recalled from loan.Marc Cucurella – 6The pantomime villain of the evening at the Amex stadium, with Brighton fans spending the full 90 minutes booing their ex player everytime he got a hold of the ball.Was solid throughout the game, although failed to have the attacking impact that he has had for Chelsea in recent games.Moises Caicedo – 6Looked to be running a one man midfield before Enzo Fernandez was introduced in the second half.Worked tirelessly but was clearly frustrated with his sides efforts, putting in a couple of nasty tackles which led to him being booked.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 4A rare start for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at Chelsea this season, and in truth, he failed to take advantage.A very poor challenge early on saw the Englishman booked, and he failed to have any impact on his side going forward or defensively in the first half.Was substituted fifteen minutes into the second half for Enzo Fernandez in the wake of Brighton’s second goal.Pedro Neto – 5An injury concern midway through the first half, which in truth he never quite looked to shake off.Looked confident he had the better of Tariq Lamptey, often beating his fullback. His final ball, however, was sorely lacking throughout the match, with a number of crosses flying over everyoneCole Palmer – 6Played his part in Chelsea’s opener with a first time cross into the box – although it’s difficult to mark that goal down as anything other than a Bart Verbruggen howler.Looked like he was missing his regular attacking partner Nicholas Jackson, with a clear lack of connection with the Frenchman Christopher Nkunku up top.Jadon Sancho – 5Looked uninterested for large parts of the first half, and failed to close down Joel Veltman who whipped in the cross for Brighton’s opener.He picked up in the second half with some direct dribbling, although never managed to find the final ball.Christopher Nkunku – 2It’s hard not to feel sorry for Nkunku, with the forward looking completely lost in Enzo Maresca’s system.It genuinely seemed like he wasn’t on the pitch at times, with the Frenchman missing in action for large parts of the game.The one clear chance he had running through on goal, he bizarrely elected to cross the ball rather than have an effort himself.SUBS:Enzo Fernandez (Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, 59) – 7Brought an air of control to Chelsea’s midfield which was sorely lacking before. Played a few nice passes with the short time he had on the pitch.Nothing came of his efforts, although perhaps the result would have been different for Chelsea had he started the game.Tyrique George (Jadon Sancho, 73) – 5Spurned a great opportunity over the bar, and other than that failed to have any impact. More

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      Mikel Arteta to axe SEVEN Arsenal players to fund summer transfer spending spree for new striker

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      MIKEL ARTETA is set to let go of SEVEN players to fund a huge summer spreading spree, according to reports.The Gunners signed ZERO players in the winter window despite their obvious issues up-front.Mikel Arteta is eyeing a huge summer spending spreeCredit: GettyNewcastle’s Alexander Isak is on Arsenal’s radarCredit: AFPThe Gunners see Benjamin Sesko as a more realistic option but Real Madrid are also interested in the midfielderCredit: ReutersBut Arsenal will now be armed with a vast amount of cash at the end of the season to strengthen their attacking ranks.Arteta – who is currently enjoying a team break in Dubai – made it clear that he was “disappointed” with the lack of January activity and is ready to push for a new marquee striker in six months time.Newcastle’s talisman Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko are the top of the Spaniard’s wish-list.But Arsenal will need to have a proper clear out and cut the wage bill in order to fund any move for Isak – which would surely take a British-record transfer fee.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Magpies want to keep the 25-year-old Swede – who has scored 59 goals in 94 games for the Toon – at all costs and reports have suggested a £150million asking price.But Arteta has sanctioned the departure of seven first-team stars in order to facilitate a spree, according to The Mirror.For starters, loanee Raheem Sterling is set to return to Chelsea and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams remains on Arsenal’s radar.There will be major surgery in midfield with Thomas Partey and Jorginho out of contract in the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJorginho is currently in discussions with Brazilian giants Flamengo over a pre-contract agreement.Notable groundwork has already been done on a £51million move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi although Real Madrid could yet enter the fray for the Spaniard, who snubbed Liverpool last summer.Arsenal wonderkid Lewis-Skelly’s mum reveals he’s ‘still on washing-up duty’… and how she nearly missed Man City goalThomas Partey is out of contract in the summer and Oleksandr Zinchenko could be lured elsewhere for game timeCredit: GettyRosenberg’s 18-year-old Sverre Nypan is a target that’s likely to be revisited this summer after the Norwegian prodigy opted to remain in Scandinavia for an additional six months.Meanwhile, left-back Kieran Tierney will likely rejoin Celtic on a free transfer and Arsenal will likely be open to offers for centre-back Jakub Kiwior.And Oleksandr Zinchenko looks poised to pursue a transfer due to his lack of minutes this season.Myles Lewis-Skelly has leapfrogged both Riccardo Calafiori and Zinchenko in the Arsenal pecking order in recent months.That could mean a replacement for the Ukrainian is not deemed as essential.Veteran loanee Neto – who was signed as a stopgap – is due to return to Bournemouth.And Espanyol No 1 Joan Garcia remains a player of interest since Arsenal saw two bids rejected by the Spanish club in August.Arsenal have splashed the cash on their backline in recent transfer windows and further defensive reinforcements are likely to be dependent on outgoings, with Ajax’s Jorrel Hato on their radar.Spain Euro 2024 star Nico Williams is on Arsenal’s radarCredit: APMartin Zubimendi, who has a £52million release clause, looks certain to arrive but Madrid have registered an interest nowCredit: GettyWhile the departure of the seven stars may not raise significant transfer funds, it will certainly free up plenty of space on the wage bill.The Emirates Stadium hierarchy are currently finalising the appointment of former sporting director Edu’s successor. Jason Ayto has stepped up on an interim basis and is a strong candidate to land the job permanently. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal are facing the prospect of another trophyless season after they were knocked out of both domestic cups.While their Premier League hopes are fading as the club sit six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand, the Gunners are hoping to win the Champions League for the first time in their history.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Winger who Trent Alexander-Arnold named his ‘toughest ever opponent’ is left unemployed aged just 28

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      BRANDON BARKER once “destroyed” Trent Alexander-Arnold – now he is left without a club. Alexander-Arnold named the former Manchester City forward as the toughest-ever player he faced. Brandon Barker was Trent Alexander-Arnold’s toughest-ever opponentCredit: GettyHe told Liverpool’s YouTube channel: “I would say Brandon Barker, played for City.”I was 18, playing for the Under-21s, first ever time at Anfield, got beat 3-0. He scored two and got an assist. I came off at 60 [minutes].”Still to this day, he’s the opponent I think that just destroyed me, man. I’ve never had it like that before.”At that point, I’m thinking ‘this kid is going to be the best player in the world’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Because I’d never seen someone move so quickly and sharp and effectively, so I’d say Brandon Barker.”Barker came through City’s youth -even winning their Academy Players’ Player of the Year during the 2013/14 season. But he left in 2019 after just one senior appearance and four loan moves, to Rotherham, NAC Breda in the Netherlands, Hibernian and Preston. Barker then moved to Rangers, had another loan to Oxford, joined Reading, then Omonia in Cyrpus and most recently Morecambe. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe then left League Two side Morecambe at the end of last season – leaving him in search of a new club. Barker, 28, told The Athletic: “I’ve never been too bothered about money. BBC makes half-time innovation in FA Cup clash between Leyton Orient and Man City”One goal I had when I started was to help my mum and dad buy a very nice house. I was lucky enough to be able to do that. “Me and my family have completely different lives now from when I was growing up, so I’m grateful for that.”Setbacks happen. I’ve been through a lot, but there are footballers who have been through more setbacks than me.”I’ve just got to keep trying and giving it everything I’ve got until I can’t do it anymore. I just want to play.”Responding to Alexander-Arnold’s praise, he said: “I’m sure he’s had more difficult games, given some of the superstars he played against, but it’s nice of him to say it. I’d never played against him before.”He looked very young and he was very small and skinny, whereas I was already established at that level. But I was pretty good that day, to be fair.”Brandon Barker had a stint with Omonia in CyrpusCredit: AFPHe also played for PrestonCredit: GettyAnd Rangers in ScotlandCredit: Getty More

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      Everton boss David Moyes pulled out of late January transfer move for former Chelsea title-winning striker

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      EVERTON boss David Moyes looked at a deal for Michy Batshuayi — before changing his mind.Moyes wanted an extra forward due to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury and made some thorough background checks on ex-Chelsea ace Batshuayi, 31.David Moyes pulled out of a late move for ex-Chelsea striker Michy BatshuayiCredit: RexBatshuayi spent six years at Chelsea but was often loaned outCredit: REUTERS/Eddie KeoghThe Belgian striker instead joined Eintracht Frankfurt from GalatasarayCredit: AFPBut reports on the star were not enough to tempt Everton for a loan until the end of the season.Batshuayi – who was loaned out to several European clubs during his six year spell at Stamford Bridge – instead joined Eintracht Frankfurt from Galatasaray on a permanent basis last month.The Belgian scored the goal that won Chelsea the Prem against West Brom in his debut season in 2016-2017.Everton also pulled away from a deal for France left-back Adrien Truffert, 23, as Rennes value him too highly.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd a deal for West Brom winger Tom Fellows, 21, was called off by the Toffees’ owners to save cash for the summer window.Moyes was previously linked with a move to bring Batshuayi to West Ham – during his first stint with the Hammers in 2018.Everton wanted to sign a striker during the winter window amid injuries to Calvert-Lewin, former Chelsea star Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti. This leaves the club with Beto – who is yet to truly hit the ground running – as their only No 9. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the Guinea-Bissau international forward responded to Moyes’ faith with a brace against Leicester City.Fans are hoping that “magician” Moyes will save them from battling Premier League relegation in their final season at Goodison Park.Everton boss David Moyes tries to look forward after Tottenham win Since taking over from Sean Dyche on January 11, Moyes has won three of his five games in charge.After losing 1-0 to a top Aston Villa side in his first match in charge, the former Manchester United boss went on a run of three straight wins.The Blues beat Tottenham, Brighton and smashed Leicester 4-0, before losing 2-0 to Bournemouth in the fourth-round of the FA Cup on Saturday.Antoine Semenyo and Daniel Jebbison fired the Cherries into the next round during Everton’s last-ever FA Cup tie at their famous old ground.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Controversial Crystal Palace shareholder John Textor wants to SELL top-scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta to his other team

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      CRYSTAL PALACE hitman Jean-Philippe Mateta is an ambitious target for Lyon — in a controversial move planned by John Textor.Textor, the French club’s American owner, wants them to bid for the in-form star this summer.Jean-Philippe Mateta could leave Crystal Palace this summerCredit: ReutersJohn Textor has a share of both Palace and LyonCredit: GettyBut that will not go down well at Palace, where Textor is also a major shareholder — even if he is planning to sell his stake.Frenchman Mateta will be in demand in the next window and the Eagles will have a fight on their hands to keep him.Yet Lyon may have to reach the Champions League to have a real chance of tempting Mateta, who has scored ten league goals so far this season.The powerful striker, 27, will seek to join an elite club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPalace would look for at least £50million for Mateta and if he continues his form, there could be big Premier League interest.Meanwhile, the Eagles have earmarked two rising centre-halves to replace Marc Guehi — Burnley’s Maxime Esteve and Middlesbrough’s Rav van den Berg.They realise England defender Guehi will have to be sold in the summer amid interest from Newcastle, Tottenham and Chelsea.Palace were priced out of their first choice, Strahinja Pavlovic, with AC Milan asking for £35m.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFrenchman Esteve, 22, has been impressive for Burnley in a defence that has conceded just nine goals in 31 Championship games.Dutch star Van den Berg, 20, has caught the eye at Boro and Palace will be watching him closely in the run-in this season.His older brother Sepp, 23, plays for Brentford.Fans joke Ian Wright’s coat ‘reminded them to take the bins out’ as Arsenal legend hosts FA Cup clash More

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      Meet ‘magic’ Monchi, the man behind Aston Villa’s stunning transfers for Rashford and Asensio… who Man Utd let slip away

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      HE is the King Midas of the market whose golden touch has stacked up the silverware.The footballing master fixer who sealed two of the most eye-catching transfers in the window… neither of which came with a fee.Transfer king Monchi has worked his magic once again at Aston VillaCredit: PAThe former Sevilla king helped land Marcus Rashford from Man UtdCredit: GettyThe capture of Marco Asensio from PSG is a real coup for VillaCredit: GettyMonchi and Unai Emery have transformed Villa into Champions League hopefulsCredit: GettyIf Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa was top of the bill, tempting three-time Champions League winner Marco Asensio from PSG came a close second.Yet for Villa’s under-stated president of football operations Monchi, just the latest two additions in over 20 years of sparkling signings.And after Rashford’s arrival from Manchester United, you could not escape the irony of his key role in the deal.The Spaniard’s partnership with sporting director Damian Vidagany and boss Unai Emery gives Villa a transfer committee to rival any in the Premier League.But in the eyes of Monchi’s one-time wingman, United missed a trick 18 months ago when they were hunting a front man to get their recruitment back on track.Highly-respected Spanish coach Antonio Fernandez spent six years alongside Monchi at Sevilla, as they went from the second tier to La Liga regulars and Europa League kings.It was a trophy they won SEVEN times in his days at the club – three with Emery in charge – plus another couple of Copa del Rey triumphs.There was also a near £200million transfer profit after Monchi unearthed the likes of Dani Alves and Ivan Rakitic among a host of uncut diamonds that made Sevilla a fortune.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFernandez insisted: “People outside Spain didn’t really notice Sevilla until Diego Maradona went there in 1992.“But it was Monchi who was responsible for keeping them at the top and making sure they regularly rubbed shoulders with the powerhouses.Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transferMorgan Rogers has been sensational since joining from MiddlesbroughCredit: GettyDonyell Malen is hoping to be another Monchi hitCredit: Getty“He waved his magic wand every year and made incredible signings which generated huge money. Men like Alves for 800,000 Euros, who was sold for £24milllion.“The thing is, he looks in places where not many do and once he identifies his target, he studies the player in an obsessive way.“He has a clinical eye and that is why he hardly makes a mistake with his signings. I always knew he would be a huge success in England. He could fit in any club in the world.“Monchi was anything but a superstar in nine years as Sevilla keeper, with the bulk of them spent as back-up to Juan Carlos Unzue.Yet a playing career in the shadows became a management one in the brightest of spotlights as scout, spotter and sealer of deals.Emery tempted Monchi to rejoin him in June 2023, and he has been a key figure in the signing of, among others, Pau Torres, Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen.Fernandez added: “Over the years Monchi has been a player, a scout, a technical director and a director, so he sees it from every angle.“He is a specialist in recruitment because he has filled so many positions…that’s what has helped make him the best operator in the business.”Monchi’s career in footballMONCHI enjoyed a nine-year top-level playing career as a goalkeeper for Sevilla.He featured 85 times as the club’s No2 before retiring in 1999.Monchi then became Sevilla’s Sporting Director a year later and transformed the club’s fortunes in LaLiga.The Spaniard eventually left for Roma in 2017.But his time in Italy was not a success and Monchi returned to Sevilla two years later.His second spell there as Sporting Director was not as successful.And Monchi decided to link up with Unai Emery once again when Aston Villa came calling in 2023.Playing careerPosition: GoalkeeperSevilla B, 1988-1990: 41 games, 0 goalsSevilla, 1990-1999: 85 games, 0 goalsPost-playing careerSporting Director, Sevilla: 2000-2017Sporting Director, Roma: 2017-2019Sporting Director, Sevilla: 2019-2023President of Football Operations, Aston Villa: 2023-PresentToday Villa face Tottenham, where former Villa sporting director Johan Lange is now technical director, after leaving the Midlands club in 2023.And the two clubs are also rivals in an off-pitch power struggle.When Lange was appointed at Villa in 2020, shortly after Dean Smith’s side had narrowly escaped immediate relegation from the Premier League, the club said: “We will not be satisfied until we achieve our goal of bringing sustainable success to Aston Villa at the top tier of European football.”The fact that Villa are currently closer to achieving that goal than Spurs owes quite a bit to Lange.The Dane oversaw the signing of players like Ollie Watkins, Emi Martinez, Matty Cash and Jhon Duran.The January sale of Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for £70m is a big reason why Monchi had room for manoeuvre in the winter window.But it was also a consequence of the Premier League’s financial regulations as Villa strive to find ways to avoid breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris slammed PSR last summer, saying: “Some of the rules have actually resulted in cementing the status quo more than creating upward mobility and fluidity.Monchi’s best signingsSevillaSergio RamosJesus NavasJose Antonio ReyesDani AlvesJulio BaptistaIvan RakiticRomaLorenzo PellegriniBryan CristanteJustin KluivertNicolo ZanioloPatrik SchickCengiz UnderAston VillaMorgan RogersPau TorresYouri TielemansAmadou OnanaMarcus RashfordMarco Asensio“The rules do not make sense and are not good for football.”Like the billionaire owners of Manchester City, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, Egyptian magnate Sawiris resents not having the same freedom to invest in Villa as he has in his other businesses.Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool form another PL power bloc which is just as motivated by self-interest.They want rules that will not only stop state-owned City and Newcastle from spending so much that they disappear into the sunset, but also prevent the likes of Villa from permanently ejecting them from the Champions League places.Manchester United and Chelsea are not fully committed to either side and their owners’ attitude will be key as the PL tries to agree new financial regulations, based on squad cost rules (SCR) rather than PSR’s maximum losses, in time for next season.Critics reckon the SCR regime – which is going through a dummy run this season – will make life even harder for upwardly-mobile clubs like Villa than PSR.Tottenham’s 2023/4 income of £520m was double Villa’s and the Spurs wage bill was 42 per cent of turnover, compared to 96 per cent at Villa.Which is why it is easy to believe rumours that Villa will take a strong position when the 20 clubs discuss SCR at next week’s meeting.This afternoon’s FA Cup clash is a battle in a much bigger war.While executives square up off the field, Monchi’s job is to find the best possible players to play on it – and to generate the transfer profits that will plug the financial gap between Villa and the Establishment. More

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      ‘We don’t miss him’ – Chelsea boss Maresca fires brutal parting shot at Joao Felix after sending £46m flop out on loan

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      CHELSEA boss Enzo Maresca fired a brutal parting shot at Joao Felix after his move to AC Milan.Felix, 25, has joined the Serie A side on loan until the end of the season.Joao Felix has signed a loan deal with AC Milan until the end of the seasonCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca insists Chelsea do ‘not miss’ FelixCredit: GettyThe versatile Portuguese attacker’s exit comes just six months into his seven-year contract after the Blues signed him in a £46million deal from Atletico Madrid.With strikers Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu out injured, Chelsea crashed out the FA Cup in a 2-1 loss to Brighton.The club’s decision to allow Felix to leave was questioned, but the manager insisted he does not need him.Maresca said: “I don’t think we miss Joao. Joao is happy there and we are happy Joao is happy there. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We had two striker injuries on Deadline Day, it is something difficult to think. “Nico can be back very soon. Sometimes I think you need to play some games without players to realise how important they are. “Off the ball, his pressing is always very good and on the ball he is a threat always.”Before the defeat to Brighton, Maresca asked about Felix, saying: “I don’t know about the future. It’s complicated to talk about the future.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Nothing bad happened. Players train everyday and want to play all the games.”But just 11 are playing. We decided together that it was a good option to leave. He never complained.”Bizarre moment Enzo Fernandez gives fan his shorts after Chelsea clash… but supporter SNIFFS themFelix started just three Premier League games this season, with the majority of his appearances coming in cup competitions.Christopher Nkunku led the line for Chelsea against Brighton but struggled. Maresca previously admitted he was open to playing Cole Palmer up front.Chelsea ratings vs Brighton as pantomime villain Cucurella can hold head high but Nkunku has a shockerBRIGHTON came from behind to dump Chelsea out of the FA Cup with Kaoru Mitoma’s perfectly placed chip securing a 2-1 win for the Seagulls at the Amex stadium.But how did Chelsea’s players fare? Who was the biggest let down and who was the best of the worst? Check out SunSport’s player ratings…Robert Sanchez – 5/10Back in the side after being dropped by Enzo Maresca after a number of errors this season. The Spaniard looked shaky on the ball at the start of the game but seemed to brush off his nerves as the match developed.Nothing he could do about Brighton’s opener with Georginio Rutter’s perfectly placed header flying past him.Perhaps a little slow off his line for Brighton’s winner, but take nothing away from Kaoru Mitoma’s perfectly executed chip.Malo Gusto – 5Worked tirelessly charging up and down the right flank for Chelsea, but failed to have much joy going forward or defensively.Struggled to deal with the dangerous Mitoma throughout the game, and was caught napping out of position for the Japanese forwards winner.Tosin Adarabioyo – 5Alongside Trevoh Chalobah, was guilty of allowing Georginio Rutter to drift into space to fire home Brighton’s early equaliser.Played some confident passes at times, but also looked like a walking mistake on the ball at times. Was caught in possession on the halfway line by Georginio Rutter which almost led to a Brighton goal.Trevoh Chalobah  – 6Equally as responsible for Brighton’s opening goal alongside his centre back partner, allowing Rutter a free header in the box.Was more composed on the ball than his Tosin throughout the game, however, and already looks like Chelsea’s best centre back after being recalled from loan.Marc Cucurella – 6The pantomime villain of the evening at the Amex stadium, with Brighton fans spending the full 90 minutes booing their ex player everytime he got a hold of the ball.Was solid throughout the game, although failed to have the attacking impact that he has had for Chelsea in recent games.Moises Caicedo – 6Looked to be running a one man midfield before Enzo Fernandez was introduced in the second half.Worked tirelessly but was clearly frustrated with his sides efforts, putting in a couple of nasty tackles which led to him being booked.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 4A rare start for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at Chelsea this season, and in truth, he failed to take advantage.A very poor challenge early on saw the Englishman booked, and he failed to have any impact on his side going forward or defensively in the first half.Was substituted fifteen minutes into the second half for Enzo Fernandez in the wake of Brighton’s second goal.Pedro Neto – 5An injury concern midway through the first half, which in truth he never quite looked to shake off.Looked confident he had the better of Tariq Lamptey, often beating his fullback. His final ball, however, was sorely lacking throughout the match, with a number of crosses flying over everyoneCole Palmer – 6Played his part in Chelsea’s opener with a first time cross into the box – although it’s difficult to mark that goal down as anything other than a Bart Verbruggen howler.Looked like he was missing his regular attacking partner Nicholas Jackson, with a clear lack of connection with the Frenchman Christopher Nkunku up top.Jadon Sancho – 5Looked uninterested for large parts of the first half, and failed to close down Joel Veltman who whipped in the cross for Brighton’s opener.He picked up in the second half with some direct dribbling, although never managed to find the final ball.Christopher Nkunku – 2It’s hard not to feel sorry for Nkunku, with the forward looking completely lost in Enzo Maresca’s system.It genuinely seemed like he wasn’t on the pitch at times, with the Frenchman missing in action for large parts of the game.The one clear chance he had running through on goal, he bizarrely elected to cross the ball rather than have an effort himself.SUBS:Enzo Fernandez (Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, 59) – 7Brought an air of control to Chelsea’s midfield which was sorely lacking before. Played a few nice passes with the short time he had on the pitch.Nothing came of his efforts, although perhaps the result would have been different for Chelsea had he started the game.Tyrique George (Jadon Sancho, 73) – 5Spurned a great opportunity over the bar, and other than that failed to have any impact. More