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      Premier League refs are best in world and other countries AGREE say chiefs – as just four mistakes this season revealed

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs remain convinced they have “the best referees in the world” — and insist that other countries AGREE.As officials in Spain discussed going on strike in protest at abuse from fans and clubs,  the Prem’s chief football officer claimed that top-flight whistlers are better than they have ever been.Chiefs reckon Premier League refs are the world’s best despite some high-profile errorsCredit: RexMichael Oliver’s red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly was later overturnedCredit: PATony Scholes said: “One of our main targets is to have the best match officials in the world — and we do. “We have ten officials on the Fifa list and two of them — Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor — are in the top ten in the world according to Fifa.“Other leagues around the world look up to the officials and VAR process in this country as a model they would like  to follow.“That’s the message we get from people around the world.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Oliver and Taylor have been at the centre of major controversies this season.Oliver red-carded Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly for ‘serious foul play’ at Wolves last month but the player’s three-match ban was overturned on appeal.He was also the VAR who advised ref David Coote to review an  injury-time incident when  West Ham beat Manchester United after being awarded a  late penalty  — that ultimately led to Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag’s October sacking.And Taylor giving Brighton a penalty against Arsenal last month when William Saliba ‘headed’ Joao Pedro led to Gunners fury.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet that West Ham spot-kick is one of only FOUR mistakes after a VAR intervention so far this season — according to the Prem’s key match incident panel, which including ex-players, managers and referees.The panel also highlighted another nine  incidents where the VAR should have intervened.Premier League clash descends into farce as VAR counts number of playersThose four VAR errors . . .BOURNEMOUTH 1 NEWCASTLE 1Dango Ouattara’s late ‘winner’ was wrongly chalked off for handball after being awarded on the field.WEST HAM 2 MAN UTD 1Hammers’ stoppage-time spot-kick  winner came after Michael Oliver advised David Coote to review Matthijs de Ligt’s contact with Danny Ings.EVERTON 0 BRENTFORD 0Christian Norgaard should not have received a red card for ploughing into keeper Jordan Pickford.NOTTM FOREST 3 SOUTHAMPTON 2Nikola Milenkovic’s goal was ruled out for subjective offside against Chris Wood,  but VAR should not have got involved.That figure is markedly down from the total of 20 cock-ups at the same point of last season and 25 at the corresponding time in 2022-23.Scholes added: “Nobody under-estimates the gigantic impact of any single error.“They can cost a club points, managers their jobs, players their place in the team and have a huge impact on a game of such high stakes“But, while there were four incorrect interventions, that means 66  correct ones while the total errors are down.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Cash-strapped Barcelona ‘lose out on MILLIONS with contract blunder’ after Nico Gonzalez’s £50m transfer to Man City

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      CASH-STRAPPED Barcelona reportedly lost out on MILLIONS from Nico Gonzalez’s £50million Manchester City switch due to a contract blunder.The Spanish midfielder, 23, completed a stunning deadline day move to the Etihad from Porto.Barcelona missed out on millions when Nico Gonzalez joined Man City from PortoCredit: PAThe ace came through the ranks at La MasiaCredit: GettyBefore joining the Portuguese side in 2023, Gonzalez came through the ranks at Barcelona’s La Masia academy.He made 37 appearances before being sold for £7million to Porto as Barca looked to combat their dire financial situation.However, the Catalans made sure to include a clause that entitled them to 40 per cent of his next fee.Despite that, ESPN claims Barcelona will now receive just 20 per cent of Gonzalez’s £50m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s because before selling him to City, Porto snapped up half of Barcelona’s clause for only £2.5m.It means instead of receiving £20m as part of Gonzalez’s move to City, Barca have banked just £10m.Including Porto’s cheeky clause cash-in, it makes for a grand total of £12.5m — £7.5m less than the Spaniards were expecting to rake in.Club chiefs are sure to be even more furious as their lack of money saw them potentially miss out on an even greater figure.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBarcelona made sure to also include a buy-back clause, worth £25m, in Gonzalez’s Porto move 18 months ago.They could have — in theory — re-signed him for that figure before flogging him to City for £50m — making for a cool £25m profit.Henry reveals sympathy for Pep Guardiola after own marriage split with Man City boss ‘not usual self’But Porto’s earlier decision to pay £2.5m for Gonzalez’s sell-on clause saw that option also become invalid.After joining City, the playmaker said: “This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career. I am 23 and I want to test myself in England. There’s no better club than Manchester City for me to do that. “Look at the squad they have here … it’s unbelievable, full of world‑class players. There isn’t a footballer in the world who would not want to be part of this setup.“I know the reputation Pep has and I cannot wait to work with him. In fact, I am honoured he wants me to play in his team. I am truly excited. I just want to meet my teammates, and the staff here and then I want to play in front of the City fans.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Former referee Dermot Gallagher spots VAR ‘optical illusion’ in Chelsea’s controversial goal against West Ham

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      DERMOT GALLAGHER pointed out a flaw with the VAR system… it can be littered with “optical illusions”.The former match official was appearing on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch to discuss two major incidents in Chelsea’s controversial win over West Ham.Dermot Gallagher called this still image an ‘optical illusion’Dermot Gallagher believes it was the correct decision to allow Chelsea’s goal to standIn the build up to Pedro Neto’s all-important second-half equaliser, Jarrod Bowen was bundled over by Levi Colwill.No foul was given and play waved on, as Chelsea went up the other end to score.But the goal itself was also mired in controversy after Marc Cucurella was adjudged to NOT be offside.Neto whipped the ball across with the left-back in an offside position.READ MORE SPORT STORIESHowever, there was much debate as to whether Marc Guiu got a flick on the ball en-route to Cucurella.If he had, then Cucurella would absolutely have been offside.The ball came across to Neto, who smashed the ball into the back of the net.After a VAR check, the goal was allowed to stand, with Guiu therefore not adjudged to have got a flick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGallagher – who admitted the collision between Bowen and Colwill could perhaps have been a free-kick for West Ham – said it looked as though Guiu got a touch based on a still photo.However, he called it an optical illusion as he pointed to the fact you couldn’t see a touch when watching the video.Chelsea vs West Ham: Player Ratings BreakdownGallagher said: “If he touches it, without doubt Cucurella is offside.”But you look at it, there’s one angle that I think is an optical illusion…”It looks as though he touches it but it’s a still photo and I think still photos can be deceiving.”You look at it and there’s no evidence he’s touched the ball.”So I feel he’s duty bound to allow the goal.”Gallagher went on to admit while the foul on Bowen should have been given, enough time had passed between that incident and the goal to not go back and check it.On the goal, the Premier League commented: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as there was no factual evidence that Guiu made contact with the ball in the build-up, therefore there was no offside offence.”CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Levi Colwill’s sluggish performance saved by Pedro Neto’s best showing in a Blues shirtCHELSEA capitalised on the failures of their rivals to move up to fourth in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over West Ham.A host of changes from Enzo Maresca upped the tempo in the second half, and they paid dividends with Pedro Neto driving home an equaliser in the 63rd minute after a shot from Fernandez.Jarrod Bowen had capitalised on a Levi Colwill error to fire West Ham ahead.Fans grew optimistic as the home side grew into the game, which culminated in a deflected Cole Palmer effort sending the Bridge into raptures as they went 2-1 up.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated Chelsea’s performance.Filip Jorgensen – 7It would’ve been a tough task to disappoint Chelsea fans after what they have seen from Robert Sanchez in recent weeks.There wasn’t an awful lot he could do about the opener, and actually made some pretty good stops to prevent his side being more than one goal down at the halfway point.Those saves proved vital, and he should expect to start against Brighton up next.Reece James – 6His crosses from the right were good throughout the first half, but there was no one clinical enough in the box to grab him an assist.Strong defensively, but ultimately didn’t have much to do in that aspect with Chelsea dominant on the flanks.Tosin Adarabioyo – 7Strong in the air and pretty good across the ground.Perhaps could have done a little more to prevent Bowen opening the scoring as he seemed to stand and watch him shoot, but overall was good and is growing into a good, consistent Premier League centre half.His vital block in added time might well have been the difference between three points and one.Levi Colwill – 3His awful backpass rolledBowen in perfectly to give the Hammers the lead just before first half-time.A lousy and sluggish performance improved in the second half after his side took the lead, but he was fortunate not to cost his side points tonight.Marc Cucurella – 7Inverted well from left back into midfield in a role that looks made for him, he was strong in his tackles and good in the air from start to finish.Got into dangerous positions going forward, but couldn’t add the finishing touches to his game on this occasion.Moises Caicedo – 7Tenacious tackling and energy is what the home fans have become accustomed to seeing from their Ecuadorian destroyer.Glimpses of that in the first half extended into a mature and controlled second 45 minutes where he looked to have Mo Kudus’ number.Enzo Fernández – 5Missed a huge chance to give Chelsea the lead which he rolled past the left hand post from a few yards out.It was his blocked effort which bounced out for Neto to level the scoring, but overall the Argentine looked a bit off the pace in midfield.Noni Madueke – 4Perhaps should’ve had a goal and assist in the first half an hour as he was set up by Nicolas Jackson and put the ball on a plate for Fernandez, but neither chance was converted.His best moment of the second half was when he bodied the referee, before being subbed for Christopher Nkunku.Cole Palmer – 7A quiet first half had the travelling fans comparing him to Andy Irving, but he soon showed them up.Almost scored a free-kick similar to the one we saw against Brighton this season, but it was well saved by Alphonse Areola.It was his deflected effort that put his side in the lead as he grew into the game more and more.Jadon Sancho – 4His quick feet made him a threat on the left-hand side in the first half, but again his end product or lack thereof would’ve cost Chelsea if his replacement didn’t bail them out.Was subbed five minutes into the second half for Pedro Neto.Nicolas Jackson – 3Showed some promising signs early on with a good ball into Noni Madueke, who narrowly missed the goal.Aside from that, he looked like a striker utterly devoid of any confidence and was poor before being hooked for 18-year-old Marc Guiu.SUBSMarc Guiu (Nicolas Jackson, 51) – 5Didn’t really do a lot wrong or right after coming on for Nicolas Jackson.Certainly looks more confident in the Conference League, but Premier League minutes in the tank will do him good.Pedro Neto (Jadon Sancho, 51) – 8His best performance in a Chelsea shirt since he joined.A composed finish saw him level the scoring before more great work in the build up sawPalmer rifle home a deflected effort.Great energy, work rate, and end product from Maresca’s own Portuguese magnifico.Malo Gusto (Reece James, 60) – 6Was energetic and strong after replacing captain Reece James, also playing a part in the goal that put his side in the lead.His passing was good and he looked more like the player who became a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge last campaign.Christopher Nkunku (Noni Madueke, 60) – 5Did a job for the team out of position on the left-hand side in Jadon Sancho’s position. 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      Thomas Tuchel ready to fast-track Myles Lewis-Skelly into England squad after Arsenal starlet’s incredible breakthrough

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      ENGLAND manager Thomas Tuchel is monitoring Myles Lewis-Skelly ahead of a potential call-up.The Arsenal full-back, 18, has become a regular for Mikel Arteta’s side of late.Myles Lewis-Skelly has been an Arsenal regular of lateCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel is reportedly considering the Arsenal full-backCredit: GettyWith the Three Lions having struggled at left-back, Lewis-Skelly could be fast tracked into the senior squad.Tuchel, 51, is said to hold some reservations over the Gunners teenager’s age and lack of experience.Lewis-Skelly has not even yet debuted for England’s Under-21s, let alone the senior side.With Tuchel short at left-back, however, Lewis-Skelly has a chance to quickly becoming part of the squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to The Times, Tuchel has twice personally checked in on the Arsenal academy graduate’s progress.They add that England staff are “stepping up” their scouting of Lewis-Skelly.Tuchel is set to take charge of the Three Lions for the first time against Albania at Wembley on March 21.Three days later his side will host Latvia in a further World Cup qualifier.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYLewis-Skelly, who has made 10 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, will hope to be involved.Luke Shaw has been England’s preferred left-back in recent years but has been dogged by injuries.’I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tearsThe Manchester United star has played just three times this season, but could be in line to return in the FA Cup this weekend.Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell will hope to return to contention after joining Crystal Palace on loan from Chelsea.Chilwell is a player Tuchel knows well from his time at Stamford Bridge.Lewis Hall has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Newcastle and earned his first two caps earlier this season.While Djed Spence has recently excelled at right and left-back for Tottenham.Tuchel did not attend Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City on Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIESInstead he headed to Italy to watch AC Milan’s 1-1 draw with city rivals Inter.The match was Kyle Walker’s Milan debut, while Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham were also in action.Tuchel watched Kyle Walker in action last weekendCredit: Rex More

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      How net transfer spend of Premier League ‘Big Six’ compares since Pep Guardiola’s arrival with Man Utd outspending City

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      PEP GUARDIOLA hit the panic button in the January transfer window.After the worst run of his managerial career – which included five defeats in a row before collapsing against Feyenoord – he sanctioned a whopping £182million outlay to try and rescue Manchester City’s season.Pep Guardiola is spending his way out of trouble amid a difficult season for Man CityCredit: GettyMan City have splashed the cash in January including £64m on Omar MarmoushCredit: GettyCity started off their New Year spending spree by landing centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov for £33.6m.The Premier League’s first Uzbek player was followed to the Etihad by fellow defender Vitor Reis for £29.6m.Guardiola then bolstered his attack with the biggest signing of the January transfer window in England, dropping £64m on Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt.Juma Bah joined for £5.1m and then City ensured they secured the four biggest deals of the month by snapping up £50m Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez on deadline day. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTogether with Savinho as their main new acquisition back in the summer for £21m, City spent more than £200m on players this season. But they also made £159m in sales.More than half of that came from Julian Alvarez’s exit to Atletico Madrid while Joao Cancelo headed to Saudi Arabia and once again the cash added up by letting a host of academy graduates go. But City’s £201m expenditure and £42m net spend were both far exceeded by neighbours Manchester United.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRuben Amorim’s main signing in January was the £29m dropped on left-back Patrick Dorgu – adding to the £200m spent in the summer on the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte. With only £86m raised in departures, the 2024-25 net spend was £143m. Meet Man City signing Nico Gonzalez, who is son of Pep Guardiola’s former team-mate and could be £50m Rodri solution And that was the biggest of the ‘Big Six’ this season – therefore extending their ‘lead’ as the overall biggest net spenders among the elite English clubs since 2016, when Pep Guardiola arrived. 1. MAN UTD – £1billionSince 2016, Manchester United have spent a staggering £1.37billion on new players.Paul Pogba’s £89m arrival that year remains the club record, although Antony (£85.5m), Harry Maguire (£85m), Romelu Lukaku (£75m), Jadon Sancho (£73m) and Rasmus Hojlund (£72m) all arrived in massive deals.Their biggest signing this season was Leny Yoro for up to £52m. United’s record sale remains Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for £80m in 2009 so the highest fee received in the period since 2016 is the £73m they got from Inter Milan for Romelu Lukaku in 2019.Ironically, the money banked for Mason Greenwood (£26.6m) and Scott McTominay (£25m) in the summer are among the biggest United sales of all time.Across the period from 2016, United have sold £371m worth of players – the lowest in the ‘Big Six’ – to take their overall net spend to just about exactly £1bn. Man Utd are the biggest net spenders in the Premier League – and unveiled new signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven on SundayCredit: Getty2. CHELSEA – £836millionChelsea’s crazy spending has gone to even more bonkers levels since Todd Boehly took over in 2022. But in the last nine seasons, the total is barely believable: a staggering £1.97bn. This season’s £54m deal for Pedro Neto does not even make the top ten on their list – behind the likes of Wesley Fofana (£75m), Kai Havertz (£70m) and that man Lukaku again (£97.5m).Chelsea are the only English team to have spent £100m-plus on two different transfers – the £106m for Enzo Fernandez and £100m, possibly rising to £115m, for Moises Caicedo. But while Chelsea are the biggest Prem spenders, they are also the biggest Prem sellers, racking up £1.13bn in player exits – including £88m (Eden Hazard to Real Madrid), £65m (Havertz to Arsenal) and £60m (Mason Mount to United) – as their net spend works out as £836m. That was helped by fetching big money for Ian Maatsen (£37.5m), Lewis Hall (£28m), Conor Gallagher (£36m) and Lukaku (£25.2m) this term. Pedro Neto doesn’t even crack the top ten biggest Chelsea transfers in the last nine seasons, even at £54mCredit: AP3. MAN CITY – £695millionWe’ve already discussed City’s spending this season but how does that play into the overall picture in the Guardiola era?In total, the Etihad giants are second for outlays on £1.46bn.Marmoush’s arrival is fourth in their all-time list, just behind Ruben Dias and then a way off Josko Gvardiol (£77m) and record-signing Jack Grealish who cost £100m.As with Chelsea, though, City fetch some hefty prices for selling off a wave of youngsters good enough for many teams but just not quite at Guardiola’s required elite level. The Alvarez deal could rise to £81.5m while the money for Taylor Harwood-Bellis (£20m), Liam Delap (£15m), Sergio Gomez (£8.4m) and Tommy Doyle (£4.3m) racks up.After Alvarez, City’s other biggest sales in the period are Raheem Sterling, Ferran Torres, Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and Cole Palmer (all between £47.5m and £40m). And the total tally is a net spend of £695m with Guardiola in the dugout.4. ARSENAL – £688millionCity’s net spend is just £7m or so more than Arsenal’s over the same period – but they have six more Premier League titles, four more League Cups, an extra Champions League and an extra Club World Cup to show for it, and the same number of FA Cups. Arsenal’s total is £688m in the red – including approximately £23m this season with approximately £100m spent and £77m received. David Raya (£27m), Riccardo Calafiori (£42m), and Mikel Merino (£31m) were the major arrivals but Emile Smith Rowe (£27m), Aaron Ramsdale (£18m) and Eddie Nketiah (£25m) all departed. Arsenal have not been afraid to spend big, splashing out £60m on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and £72m on Nicolas Pepe before the more recent arrivals of £65m Kai Havertz and £105m Declan Rice. The Smith Rowe deal is their fifth-biggest sale ever – and Nketiah ninth – while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tops the pile on £35m to Liverpool in 2017.Riccardo Calafiori is Arsenal’s biggest purchase of 2024-25 at £42mCredit: Getty5. TOTTENHAM – £580millionTottenham are just shy of the £1bn spending mark since 2016 – on £995m.That includes £145m this season on record arrival Dominic Solanke (£65m), £40m on Archie Gray, £25m on Wilson Odobert and £12.5m on goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky who came in during January. Other major outlays were Richarlison (£50m), Dejan Kulusevski (£25m), James Maddison (£40m), Pedro Porro (£37.3m), Micky van de Ven (£35m) and Brennan Johnson (£47.5m). As for their sales, they total £415m in the time frame – the big one being Harry Kane leaving for Bayern Munich at the beginning of last season for an initial £86m.Kyle Walker’s move to Manchester City in 2017 was worth around £50m but the biggest sales this season were Oliver Skipp to Leicester (£20m), Emerson Royal to Milan (£12.8m) and Joe Rodon to Leeds (£10m). And that all means Spurs are down £580m on transfer fees since 2016.Dominic Solanke set back Tottenham £65m last summerCredit: Getty6. LIVERPOOL – £282millionPerhaps it is no surprise to see Liverpool with the best net spend of the ‘Big Six’ on a mere £282m over the past nine seasons. In fact, the Reds have actually made a profit in the 2024-25 campaign by only buying Federico Chiesa for £10m and raising £50m in sales from Fabio Carvalho (£20m), Sepp van den Berg (£20m) and Bobby Clark (£10m). It continued a wise – and successful – transfer strategy that has seen Liverpool sell big and then wait to find the right players at the right time for the right price. In the pre-2016 era not included in these figures, Liverpool sold Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres and Raheem Sterling.They then secured an eye-watering £145m from Barcelona for Philippe Coutinho in 2018, making up more than a quarter of their £505m in sales during the set period. READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool have not been afraid to splash the cash too – £787m in total since 2016 – with te overall £85.3m deal for Darwin Nunez in 2022 their record signing ahead of Virgil van Dijk (£75m), Alisson (£67m), Dominik Szoboszlai (£60m) and Naby Keita (£53m). Interestingly, Liverpool’s £282m net spend since 2016 is significantly less than West Ham (£451m) and Newcastle (£396m) and just £8m more than Aston Villa after they sold Jaden Philogene (£20m), Diego Carlos (£8.5m) and Jhon Duran (£64m) in January.Liverpool have made a £40m profit this season, signing only £10m man Federico ChiesaCredit: Getty More

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      Major Newcastle stadium update with club leaning towards new £1.6billion venue that would overlap St James’ Park

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      NEWCASTLE chiefs are edging towards building a new £1.2billion stadium, according to reports.Toon bosses want to either expand or leave their traditional St James’ Park home.Newcastle could look to leave their St James’ Park homeCredit: GettyThe new stadium could be built adjacent to St James’ Park over a portion of Leazes ParkCredit: Getty – ContributorBoard members have been exploring the possibility of departing St James’ Park for a new stadium.According to the Telegraph, Newcastle’s new stadium would overlap the current ground’s Leazes and Milburn Stands.The rest of it would stand over what is currently part of Leazes Park.One stumbling block could be that Leazes Park is a protected Victorian-era green space.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClub bosses hope that by only needing a small portion of the park, and by building new green space nearby, members of the public and council could be persuaded.The new stadium would hold just under 70,000 supporters.This would make it the second-biggest club football stadium in the country.In building their new stadium, Newcastle would likely opt for a similar path followed by Tottenham, who also built adjacent to their former home on land they already owned.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYNewcastle’s new stadium could be built adjacent to the current groundThe road that currently runs behind the Milburn Stand would not be altered by new plans.But the car park by the current Leazes Stand would need to be demolished.Premier League stadium given subtle makeover during international breakIt’s hoped that Newcastle could continue playing at St James’ Park after work was to get underway.A temporary relocation is not out of the question, although they would not groundshare with rivals Sunderland.The most realistic option would be to play at Murrayfield in Edinburgh, around 120 miles away.Newcastle would hope to have a possible new stadium finished in time for the 2031-32 season. Despite leaning towards building a new ground, no decision has yet been made.The Newcastle board will eventually present their final preference to the club’s Saudi owners, who will have the ultimate say.Rather than building a whole new stadium, the Toon could still opt to renovate the Gallowgate End.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis could still take the overall capacity to in excess of 60,000, while likely being a much quicker job than a total rebuild.No decision has yet been made and all avenues are still being explored.The Gallowgate End could be renovatedThe Gallowgate End could undergo significant changesCredit: Rex More

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      ‘Jack Grealish was a Tottenham player’ – Ex-Spurs chief reveals two huge transfers to ‘replace irreplaceable’ fell apart

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      JACK GREALISH came close to signing for Tottenham, claims the North Londoners’ former technical director Steve Hitchen.Grealish, 29, left Aston Villa for Manchester City for £100million in 2021.Jack Grealish nearly joined Tottenham in 2018Credit: RexSteve Hitchen previously worked as Tottenham’s technical directorCredit: X @DecisionMakrsThree years earlier, however, Spurs failed in a £25m bid.In September 2018, Grealish even admitted: “I thought I was leaving. Before the new owners, Villa needed the money so I kind of accepted that me going would save the club.”Hitchen played a major role in Tottenham’s recruitment at the time, before going to leave in 2022 following Fabio Paratici’s arrival.Recently appearing on the Decision Makers podcast, the 48-year-old relived Spurs’ failed bid for Grealish.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “We were very close to getting Jack Grealish, which would have been probably one of the best signings.”Jack Grealish was a ‘Tottenham player’. He would have set the place alight.”He had the skills, he would have got the fans off their seat. He would have been a difference in that time.”We had Dele at that time and I think those two would have pushed each other as well.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYHow Grealish could have looked at TottenhamCredit: Grok AIHitchen, right, was previously a big part of Spurs’ recruitment teamCredit: Getty”To miss out on that player was massive in that period.”Astonishingly, Tottenham did not sign a single player in that 2018 summer transfer window.Jack Grealish’s reaction to Cole Palmer becoming a manager says it all as he and Maguire apologise to Chelsea starThey then failed to recruit anyone in January 2019, despite Mousa Dembele leaving for Guangzhou R&F.Hitchen went on to reveal that Spurs nearly pulled off a huge deal for a Dembele replacement.He added: “We were really close to getting Frenkie de Jong.”I think Frenkie de Jong, again, is a ‘Tottenham player’. I think he would have made a big difference for us.”We had to replace the irreplaceable in Dembele. Probably Frenkie could’ve gone into that position and really succeeded at Spurs.”Since leaving Tottenham, Hitchen has become director of football at talent agency Unique Sports Group (USG). USG represent several high-profile stars, including the likes of Reece James, Anthony Gordon, Marc Guehi and Brennan Johnson.Frenkie de Jong was on Spurs’ radar in 2019Credit: Rex More

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      Man Utd new boy Patrick Dorgu’s shock wages revealed with £25m star earning less than Tom Heaton

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      MANCHESTER UNITED new boy Patrick Dorgu has penned a deal worth around £40,000 a week.Dorgu, 20, was unveiled on the Old Trafford pitch ahead of the Red Devils’ 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last Sunday.Patrick Dorgu was unveiled at Old Trafford last SundayCredit: GettyDorgu, 20, moved in a deal worth an initial £25mCredit: GettyMan Utd forked out an initial £25million to sign the Dane from Lecce.The Serie A side could be owed a further £4m in performance-related add-ons.While United’s fee for Dorgu was not insignificant, the left wing-back arrives at the club as one of its first team’s lowest earners.According to The Athletic, Dorgu has penned a five-and-a-half year deal worth £40k per week.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThis presents a big salary jump for the youngster, who is in just his third season of his senior football.But it is also a manageable wage for United and among the lowest in their first team squad.Only Altay Bayindir and Kobbie Mainoo earn less than Dorgu.Bayindir, 26, penned his deal to be backup goalkeeper, while Mainoo’s deal was signed in February 2023 and talks have been held regarding a new one.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYDorgu’s deal puts him below third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who reportedly pockets £45k a week.While Alejandro Garnacho is the next lowest earner on £50k a week, remarkably below Jonny Evans on £65k.Amorim gives Lisandro Martinez injury update after Man Utd star stretchered off in tears during Crystal Palace defeat United managed to ship out two of their highest earners on loan in the final days of the January window.Marcus Rashford headed to Aston Villa, with Unai Emery’s side committing to paying at least 75 per cent of his £325k a week wages, potentially rising to 90 per cent depending on performance.Antony, meanwhile, headed to Real Betis – with the LaLiga side covering at least 84 per cent of his reported £200k a week salary.Man Utd were unable to bolster in their forward areas this month.A loan deal for Mathys Tel did not materialise, with club chiefs unwilling to fork out £5m on a loan fee.The Bayern Munich forward instead headed to Tottenham, who secured his signature on loan with an option to make it permanent for £45m in the summer.Mathys Tel instead joined Tottenham late on deadline dayCredit: Rex More