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      Former Liverpool star, 35, you may not know was still playing announces retirement hours before final match

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      FORMER Premier League star Joe Allen has announced his retirement from football.The 35-year-old midfielder will hang up his boots after Swansea’s final game of the season against Oxford tomorrow.Joe Allen has announced his retirement from footballCredit: GettyThe Welshman spent four seasons at LiverpoolCredit: PA:Press AssociationOn his decision to call it a day, Allen said: “This is incredibly difficult. This is not something I’ve taken lightly, I’ve spent a lot of time pondering it. “The timing’s right. I made the decision, got to 100 per cent about a month ago. “I wasn’t sure how the last few weeks would go, how I’d find things, but it’s actually been a good spell really. I’ve enjoyed it.”I’ve had a chance to reflect and take it all in. I’m really looking forward to what’s going to be my last game on Saturday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m very proud. I didn’t think I’d be sat here playing as many games as I have for clubs I have done at that level and for Wales as well.”I’ve been incredibly fortunate and as I’ve reflected over the last few weeks I’m very grateful and thankful to everyone who has has helped me on my way to have these amazing experiences.”Allen, who came through the academy at Swansea, has featured in 24 Championship games for them this season.In total, he will finish having played 221 games for the club.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAllen left Swansea for Liverpool in 2012 for £15million as he followed manager Brendan Rodgers to Anfield.He featured 132 times for the Reds across four seasons before leaving for Stoke in 2016.Inside raucous Liverpool dressing room as Trent Alexander-Arnold leads celebrations and Darwin Nunez smokes a cigarThe 77-time capped international was also a key member of the Wales squad that made the semi-final of Euro 2016.Allen made the team of the tournament and he is a former winner of the Welsh player of the year award.His decision to quit football is a major blow for Wales boss Craig Bellamy, who convinced him out of international retirement just last year after he initially said his time with the Dragons was after the 2022 World Cup.Yet it is one midfield maestro for another at Swansea as Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has purchased a minority stake in the club.Joe Allen says he is 100 per cent sure he has made the right decisionCredit: @SwansOfficial More

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      Crystal Palace ready to let Guehi AND Eze leave to fund £130m transfer rebuild as Man Utd, Chelsea and Newcastle circle

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      CRYSTAL PALACE boss Oliver Glasner has given his blessing to the sales of both Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze this summer to fund an overhaul of the squad.Guehi is certain to leave as he has just 12 months left on his contract with former club Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle ready to bid.Marc Guehi is set to leave Palace this summerCredit: AlamyEberechi Eze’s release clause can be activatedCredit: RexOliver Glasner wants to splash the cash on six new signingsCredit: GettyEze could also depart Selhurst Park as he has two years remaining on his contract.A £60million release clause can be activated by rival clubs at the end of the season.Glasner is understood to be relaxed about both potential sales as he is planning significant changes at the FA Cup finalists.The Austrian has asked the club for up to six new players this summer, as he wants to make Palace even more physically dominant, and is ready to sacrifice Eze if necessary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Palace have delighted fans by reaching the FA Cup final against Man City at Wembley this month, Glasner has been disappointed at times by his side’s inconsistency.The 50-year-old wants players who are prepared to work harder off the ball, with Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham expected to be a target if the Championship club are not promoted.Newcastle bid £70m for Guehi last summer, but Palace were able to resist as they sold Joachim Andersen to Fulham for £30m instead.With no progress in contract talks however, Palace are resigned to selling the 24-year-old this summer with Newcastle planning to bid again.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTottenham failed with a late bid for Guehi during the January transfer window.But with Newcastle on course to qualify for the Champions League, St. James’ Park is likely to prove a more attractive destination.Diehard Crystal Palace fan with arm in sling goes viral after using his HEAD to clap FA Cup heroes at WembleySpurs have also been tracking Eze for some time but will face competition from Manchester United, with the 26-year-old’s release clause making him very attainable. More

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      Race for Champions League takes new twist as supercomputer predicts who’ll land £16m pay-day with run-ins compared

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted who will qualify for the Champions League.Liverpool and Arsenal have already booked their spots in the next season’s competition but the other three places are up for grabs.Newcastle look set to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersManchester City have a 95 per cent chance of making itCredit: GettyNottingham Forest and Chelsea are set to battle for fifthCredit: GettyStrong performances in Europe from English sides this term have earned them a bonus place in the Champions League – with the top five going in instead of just four.We have just a few more weeks of the the season to go and a Sky Sports supercomputer has rated each club’s chances of qualifying.Newcastle lead the race on 62 points and have an 84 per cent chance of finishing in the top five.The Toon are in stunning form, having won seven of their last eight games in all competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut they have a tricky run-in with Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton to play.For that reason, Manchester City are more likely to get into the Champions League as the number crunchers rate their chance at 95 per cent chance.They sit just one point behind Newcastle, but Pep Guardiola’s side are the favourites to win all their remaining games against Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth and Fulham.Chelsea and Nottingham Forest look set to battle it out for fifth place after the latter’s shock 2-0 defeat to Brentford last night.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAston Villa are in contention, but they have just 13 per cent hope.Enzo Maresca and Nuno Espirito Santo’s teams both have 60 points currently and it could all come down to a thrilling final day encounter as Forest head to Stamford Bridge.How the genius tactical play from Nottingham Forest is placing them firmly at the top of the leagueDespite Chelsea’s better goal difference, the supercomputer reckons Forest have the edge with 59 per cent chance compared to the Blues’ 49 per cent.Whoever misses out and finishes in sixth will have to settle for a spot in the Europa League.It is currently unclear if seventh will be a Europa or Conference League place as Crystal Palace have made the FA Cup final.If the Eagles beat City at Wembley, they will take one of the two Europa League spots from the Premier League table.And there could be six English clubs in next season’s Champions League as a Tottenham vs Manchester United Europa League final is likely after both secured leads in their semi-final first leg ties.Nottingham Forest are in danger of falling out the top fiveCredit: PA More

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      Arne Slot to be given ‘one of biggest transfer budgets in Liverpool history’ as four-man transfer shortlist revealed

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      ARNE SLOT is going to be able to splash the cash this summer with Liverpool giving him “no set budget”, according to reports.The Reds wrapped up the Premier League title with four games to go and are looking to build on their stellar season.Arne Slot is set to go on a spending spree this summerCredit: EPADean Huijsen is attracting interest and he has a £50m release clauseCredit: GettyMilos Kerkez is highly-rated by Anfield chiefsCredit: ReutersSince Slot’s arrival last summer, only winger Federico Chiesa and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvi, who stayed at Valencia on loan this season, have been signed.But a much busier window is ahead for the club with the boss to be backed by “one of Liverpool’s biggest ever transfer budgets”, claim The Telegraph.Chief Richard Hughes was previously at Bournemouth and he is ready to go shopping at his old employers.Liverpool want to bolster their defence with Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez top targets.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe centre-back has a £50million release clause and there is set to be a major battle for his signature with the likes of Real Madrid involved.Despite being admirers of Kerkez, Liverpool are said to not want to overpay as they look for someone to share the left-back role with Andy Robertson rather than replace him.Remaining on the south coast, Antonie Semenyo is another Cherries star highly-rated on Merseyside.A top striker is Liverpool’s main priority and they see Newcastle’s Alexander Isak as the dream signing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut they know a deal will prove very difficult and are instead supposedly looking at Eintracht Frankfurt ace Hugo Ekitike, who has an £80m price tag on his head.Liverpool’s transfer war chest is set to be hugely bolstered by player sales.Cheeky Mo Salah reveals Liverpool’s Premier League title felt way better without Klopp, Mane and FirminoThe champions will cash-in on keeper Caoimhin Kelleher for £25m amid interest from Premier League sides like Newcastle and West Ham.Saudi Arabian clubs are after Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota – but not all three will be sold at the end of the season.Offers will be reportedly considered for Joe Gomez, Kostas Tsimikas and on loan star Ben Doak, while the future of Harvey Elliot is unclear.Antoine Semenyo is a target for Liverpool this summerCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd files: Berrada grilled by staff at Carrington and Sir Alex Ferguson and Gary Neville clash… in an auction

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      UNITED teen target Franco Mastantuono added to his glistening reputation with another stunning goal in Argentina’s biggest game.SunSport revealed how United are considering triggering the 17-year-old’s £38million release clause from River Plate.Man Utd target Franco Mastantuono impressed for River Plate last weekCredit: GettyAnd Old Trafford fans already excited about the prospect saw further evidence as he unleashed a brilliant free-kick from outside the box in the Buenos Aires derby with Boca Juniors.Mastantuono has been dubbed the “Argentine Phil Foden” with River Plate steeling themselves to lose him.But there was more than an echo of Lionel Messi as his left footer swept over the Boca wall and aeced into the top corner for the opener in a 2-1 win.No wonder United are interested but so are Manchester City and both Madrid giants.’REALLY NOT GOOD’THERE has been fury behind the scenes at United’s Carrington training ground – with chief executive Omar Berrada in the line of fire this week.Berrada turned up at the complex to tell staff who would be part of the second wave of 200 redundancies of their fates.Omar Berrada got a grilling from Man Utd staff members at CarringtonCredit: GettyBut it turned into a grilling for the former City exec as disgruntled staff lined up to have their say.One insider told Sun Sport: “Everything has changed since Ineos came in – and not for the better.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford“Berrada stood in front of everybody at the academy and said we had to do it.“But someone stood up and told him ‘you said six months ago that we had to lose 250 jobs but this would be it.Ruben Amorim warns Rasmus Hojlund ‘he has to score many more’ goals after dramatic last gasp Man Utd equaliser“Now six months later we’re losing another 200 people. What’s to say in six months’ time it won’t be happening again?’”“A couple of months ago we got the email about lunches being ended and Berrarda told us it would save £1m a year.“But someone piped up ‘hang on a minute – that’s one month’s wages for Casemiro; you’re on £4m a year, so why don’t you take a £1m cut?’“The mood is really not good. It’s got to the point where people are choosing not to go to the training ground unless they have to be there.”HE’S A KEEPERTOM HEATON is not planning to retire in 2025 as Man Utd are set to offer the keeper a new 12-month contract.Rumours started last month that the 39-year-old was not only ready to leave Old Trafford when his current deal expires this summer – but also hang up his gloves.Tom Heaton is set to be handed a new contractCredit: AlamyBut SunSport understands Heaton has no intentions of quitting the sport just yet.The three-cap England stopper is hopeful of a fresh Red Devils contract with talks expected to ramp up between now and the end of the season.Heaton is third choice behind Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir and in Ruben Amorim’s travelling squad for tonight’s crunch Europa League semi-final first leg away to Athletic Bilbao in Spain.With United’s top two keepers Onana and Bayindir making high-profile errors this season to put their futures in doubt, it remains to be seen if Heaton will get a chance to make his first appearance of the season before the campaign ends.Highly-popular Heaton has not played for United’s first team since a run-out against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup back in February 2023.All eyes for Amorim’s men are on the Europa League with the aim of winning the competition to book a Champions League spot next season.So could Heaton get some minutes in one of the remaining Prem fixtures against Brentford, West Ham, Chelsea or ex-club Aston Villa?ROO WHAT?!NOT for the first time, Man City hearts were broken by Rooney this week.Only this time it was Wayne’s son Kai scoring a dramatic late winner against the ‘noisy neighbours’.United’s Under 15s were 3-0 down with 12 minutes to go at City’s Joie Stadium but came back to edge it 4-3.Amid such drama, you might have known it would be a Rooney grabbing the headlines by scoring in the 96th minute to secure the Under-15 Premier League Floodlit North Cup.ROOM FOR ONE MORE?UNITED fans have been enjoying the sunshine in Bilbao this week and will no doubt fancy returning to the Spanish city in three weeks for the final.But they’d better start saving up now.Fans enjoyed their time in Bilbao ahead of United’s Europa League semi-finalCredit: ReutersFans in one hotel paid around £130 a night this week but were told that it will cost £800 a night to stay there for the final on May 21.It would be a dream for Athletic Bilbao to reach the final which will be played in their own San Mames Stadium.But at those prices, no doubt the hotel owners are secretly hoping it will be United who are back here later in the month.BEE READYRUBEN AMORIM took a larger squad than normal to Bilbao this week – with one eye on Sunday’s trip to Brentford.The United boss has already indicated he plans to make wholesale changes for the clash with Thomas Frank’s side as he prioritises the Europa League.Ruben Amorim took several young players to Bilbao to prepare for Sunday’s Prem match against BrentfordCredit: AlamyAnd due to the late kick off in Bilbao, the squad will stay in Spain on Thursday night and hold a training session here on Friday before flying home.Several youngsters who were on the flight will not feature in the first leg in the San Mames.However they will be put through their paces by the manager in Friday’s session with a view to playing against the Bees – giving the first teamers a chance to put their feet up.WELL I NEV-ERFORMER United skipper Gary Neville clashed with his old boss Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford last week.But it was all good natured – as he pair went head to head in an auction for a painting of club legend Denis Law.Sir Alex Ferguson went head-to-head with ex-player Gary Neville for a painting in a club auctionCredit: Times Newspapers LtdNeville edged out Sir Alex to secure the Stewart Beckett artwork at a function to mark the 40th anniversary of the Association of Former Manchester United Players (AFMUP).The organisation’s future was thrown into doubt when Jim Ratcliffe slashed the funding as part of his cost cutting.However United threw their full support behind the event and donated several items which helped raise important funds.Neville, Andy Cole and Jonny Evans shared some stories of Fergie’s infamous ‘hairdryer’ with guests at the function.FINE LINEATHLETIC BILBAO have got heavy with their own fans ahead of this game – warning them they could be hit with a £25,000 fine if they re-sell tickets for the clash with United.The club is determined to make the most of their first meeting in 13 years though – with the club shop selling official half-and-half scarves.Athletic Bilbao fans could face a huge punishment if they re-sell ticketsCredit: Getty More

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      Why do Chelsea now have a shirt sponsor and what is DAMAC?

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      CHELSEA have announced a new front-of-shirt sponsor with DAMAC for the rest of the season after 50 games without one – but only for a maximum of seven matches.The Blues had spent most of the season without a sponsor but on Wednesday afternoon announced on their social media channels their partnership with the firm.Chelsea have operated all season without a front-of-shirt sponsorThe sponsor with DAMAC will last until the end of the season.In a statement released on the club website, it read: “Chelsea Football Club today announces a new, long-term global partnership with Dubai-headquartered DAMAC Properties which becomes our Official Property Development Partner. “DAMAC will also feature on Chelsea FC’s front of shirt for the rest of the season.”Amira Sajwani, managing director of sales & development of DAMAC Properties, said: “This launch marks the first of an elite collection that celebrates not just the passion of Chelsea FC but its enduring legacy, innovative spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence. “This initiative goes beyond celebrating the beautiful game; it sets a new benchmark for those who expect nothing less than the exceptional, every time.”READ MORE IN CHELSEAThe West Londoners have dabbled with rumours of a potential long-term sponsor since leaving Three in 2023, with Jordan brand – the sponsors of Paris Saint-Germain – the last name touted for a collaboration.The DAMAC logo will make its first appearance on Chelsea shirts during Thursday’s Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgarden and for the women’s team starting at Tottenham on May 4.However, it’s expected that the sponsor won’t be a permanent addition as the club will continue their search for one ahead of the Club World Cup. Why didn’t Chelsea have a shirt sponsor?As stated, Chelsea had a sponsorship with sports technology brand Infinite Athlete from October 2023 until the start of this season, but failed to agree on an extension. Most read in FootballThat left the club rocking shirts without a front-of-shirt-sponsor for much of this season as the only side in the division not to be attached. The main reason regarding the absence of a sponsor was the lack of elite continental football being offered at Stamford Bridge.The Blues have found themselves in the Conference League – Europe’s third-tier club competition – and with that have been significantly shifted outside from the elite status of European football. The credibility of a sponsor for the Conference League wouldn’t command the fee that Chelsea would want and vice versa.However, the reward of having a shirt sponsor regardless of the mega wealth available to the club as showcased in under the ownership group led by Clearlake Capital and US billionaire Todd Boehly remains imperative.Profit and Sustainability and Financial Fair Play rules can be pretty dense, but essentially ask clubs to function more as businesses, which puts the onus on club’s revenue streams. What is DAMAC?As stated on the company website, DAMAC was established in 1982 with its origins in catering and logistics. The DAMAC Group of Companies has expanded to encompass a diverse portfolio across various industries, including property development and real estate, data centres, retail and fashion, hospitality, capital markets, and logistics.Read More on The SunIn short, Chelsea’s new shirt sponsor are one of the Middle East’s largest real estate developers.The most high-profile involvement the company has had in football is their eight-year long relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr FC. More

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      ‘He does things nobody else does’ – Man who discovered Thomas Partey reveals how Arsenal ace would’ve prevented PSG loss

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      ARSENAL midfield machine Thomas Partey could’ve saved the club from a Champions League disasterclass.That’s according to the man who discovered him, Wilfred Osei Kwaku Palmer.Thomas Partey picked up a needless second yellow card against MadridCredit: ReutersPartey was on his way out but his form could prompt a new dealCredit: GettyArsenal will hope Partey can inspire a win next weekCredit: GettyPalmer, who owns Tema Youth football club in Ghana, gave a young Partey his first opportunity in football, long before the former Atletico Madrid star was tearing up La Liga and the Premier League.The Gunners paid dearly for his absence in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to PSG in their semi-final first leg, after his needless yellow card against Real Madrid.The talent-spotter and club owner believes the Ghanaian midfielder would’ve prevented PSG from dismantling Arsenal at the Emirates.Speaking to The Sun from his base in Ghana, Palmer said: “He does things nobody else does. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”If you look at the goal Arsenal conceded against PSG that’s normally where he dominates. “His importance is quite clear, he does things in that team that nobody else does.”Partey was expected to leave Arsenal at the end of this season, but a rich vein of form has prompted the Gunners to consider offering him a new two-year deal.There are also reports linking him with a move back to Spain to join Barcelona.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut Palmer says Partey should seize the opportunity to become an Arsenal legend.He added: “This is probably his best season since he went there, and if there’s a chance for him to stay, then that should be his home.How PSG tricked Arsenal to gain Champions League semi-final advantage”The fans love him, and I know he could make more money elsewhere, but I know him and he’s got it in him to play at the highest level for the next five years. “So why not do that at one of the best clubs in the world?”Partey has featured in 31 league games for the Gunners this season, scoring four goals. But it’s his overall impact, breaking lines with his passing and press resistance that has made him such a key member of the team. More

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      Marcus Rashford refuses to give up on playing again this season as Man Utd loanee jets to Dubai for rehab programme

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has flown to Dubai in a desperate bid to rescue his season.The Manchester United ace, currently on loan at Aston Villa, is battling back from a hamstring injury that threatens to rule him out for the rest of the campaign.Marcus Rashford has rediscovered his form since moving to VillaCredit: RexThe forward will make a decision on his Man United future in the summerCredit: GettyThere have been reports that he will not play again this season but SunSport understands that Rashford is not giving in at the moment.The 27-year-old has kickstarted a warm-weather rehabilitation programme in the Middle East to speed up his recovery.Sources say he’s targeting a shock return before Villa’s season ends, even if the odds are slim he wants to keep the momentum he’s had since his move to Villa Park.There is still three weeks of the season left with Villa fighting to secure European football next season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe man who scored on his Manchester United debut against Arsenal in 2016 has got his eyes firmly set on pulling on the Three Lions shirt again, with England facing Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on June 7, followed by a Wembley clash with Senegal.After falling out of favour under Gareth Southgate, Rashford was thrown straight back into the mix by new boss Thomas Tuchel, starting both of his first two games in charge.Now he’s determined to prove he’s ready to roar again for club and country.Rashford’s future is still up in the air with reports that he could even take a pay cut to move abroad, with Barcelona and AC Milan recently linked.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe has enjoyed his time at Villa Park with four goals and five assists in the 17 games he’s been involved in under Unai Emery.Premier League club announce plans to expand stadium with new stand and concert venue boosting capacity to over 50,000Villa themselves have been reportedly impressed with his attitude and application but again he will have to take a pay cut to stay there.Rashford is currently earning £350,000-a-week and that would be a stumbling block for most clubs. However the England international wants to enjoy his football again and that could be key in his next decision.Emery will be hoping Rashford can get himself fit againCredit: Getty More