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    Premier League club announces 23,000-seater new stadium plan to fulfil Champions League ambition

    BOURNEMOUTH have announced their plan to build a 23,000-seater stadium to fulfil their Champions League ambitions.The Cherries have gone from strength to strength since appointing Andoni Iraola as their manager 18 months ago.Bournemouth are ready to build a new 23,000 seater stadium to replace the VitalityCredit: RexThe Cherries’ current ground holds just over 11,000Credit: AlamyBournemouth lie 7th in the table with 11 wins and five defeats from 23 matches this season.Iraola’s men blasted five past Nottingham Forest’s mean defence last weekend.And seven days earlier they secured an impressive 4-1 win away at high-flying Newcastle.The Cherries have done all this with a severely depleted squad full of injuries.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut fans are starting to dream of a shock push for Champions League football.And club chiefs are already setting out plans to take Bournemouth to the next level.American businessman Bill Foley took over the south-coast club in 2022 as part of his Black Knight group’s multi-team ownership strategy.As well as reversing Bournemouth’s fortunes on the field while landing a top coach in Iraola, Foley and Co are now close to finishing an elite new training ground.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut the biggest change is set to come with a brand new stadium, with plans at an advanced stage to double the capacity of Bournemouth’s current ground.The Cherries have been playing at the Vitality Stadium, otherwise known as Dean Court, since 1910.Premier League club announces major stadium changes with new capacity and away fans moved A new ground would help Bournemouth realise their Champions League ambitionsCredit: MicrosoftThe historic ground packs in over 11,000 fans for each game.But plans are now afoot to knock it down and build a new stadium over the same space while boosting capacity to over 23,000.The surge in tickets sold will give Bournemouth a huge financial boost, thereby helping them attract better players and eventually crack the Premier League’s top four.Foley told Men in Blazers via the Athletic: “We have a waiting list of 15 or 16,000 people that want tickets, so we’re not going to have trouble filling the stadium.“We’re a little ahead of schedule. I thought we’d be in Europe next year. We may have a chance this year if we can keep going and keep on playing well.“If we just get lucky on injuries and get these guys healthy the second half of the season, we should be very successful.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If we’re successful, we will play in Europe. The Champions League? That’s my dream.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool set for Xavi Simons transfer battle as RB Leipzig are open to mega-money sale

    MANCHESTER UNITED, Man City and Liverpool are all reportedly set to battle for Xavi Simons this summer.The Dutch midfielder only completed a £42million permanent switch from Paris Saint-Germain to loan club RB Leipzig yesterday.Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool are all chasing a deal for RB Leipzig’s Xavi SimonsCredit: GettyBut Bild claims the Germans are already open to selling him for a hefty profit this summer.Simons, who only played 11 times at PSG, spent last season on loan at Leipzig and impressed with 10 goals in 43 games.He returned for a second spell last summer.And the Bundesliga side wrapped up a full-time move for Simons on Thursday after the Netherlands international added a further five goals in 17 appearances.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Leipzig are now open to doing a quick turnaround in the summer.They have only handed Simons a short-term contract until 2027.And the Red Bull side will listen to offers between £58.5m and £67m at the end of the season.It’s reckoned he already has a host of admirers in England too.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMan United are thought to be interested as Ruben Amorim hunts for dynamic attackers who are suitable for his 3-4-3 system.Rivals Man City also fancy Simons as doubts swirl over the long-term futures of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva.Ruben Amorim says Man Utd are a better team with Marcus Rashford but he has to change While Liverpool are also being linked as Mo Salah continues to be lined up by Saudi sides as his contract runs down.There is sure to be interest in Simons from other teams in Europe.He spent nine years in Barcelona’s academy before joining PSG in 2019.Bayern Munich were thought to have struck a deal for Simons last summer after his impressive Euros run.And they could return as they look to continue snapping up the best talents in Germany’s top flight.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    ‘That looks serious’ – Tottenham star Dragusin forced off injured in yet another blow leaving TNT Sports pundit worried

    TOTTENHAM suffered yet another injury blow as Radu Dragusin was forced off.Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou vented his frustration with recent squad setbacks ahead of Thursday’s Europa League win over Elfsborg.Radu Dragusin was forced off injuredCredit: AFPIt is yet another injury blow for SpursCredit: GettyHe planned to take off centre-back Micky van de Ven at half-time against to ensure he keeps his backline fresh. But it was replacement Dragusin who picked up a knee injury when the defender went down off the ball after a tussle with striker Jalal Abdullai.He was taken off – replaced by forward Dane Scarlett – as replays revealed Dragusin coming down on his knee awkwardly. TNT Sports’ Glenn Hoddle: “That looks quite serious because look, he plays the ball there and then he’s landed and wow, he holds his knee.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpurs have NINE first-team players sidelined through injury, including defenders Djed Spence, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie. Keeper Guglielmo Vicario, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke and James Maddison are also out. Postecoglou – who has blamed Tottenham’s woeful league form on injuries – did make light of Dragusin’s knock. The outspoken Aussie pretended to pull his hamstring when stretching for a ball that went out of play. Most read in FootballSpurs cruised into the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to goals in the final 20 minutes from Scarlett, Oyindamola Ajayi and Mikey Moore. And on Dragusin’s injury, he said: “It is too early to say what it is, we will need to investigate further. The rise and fall of Ange Postecoglou as Spurs boss”But it was his knee which is not good.”We have another game on Sunday. The club will be working hard behind the scenes to see if we can get something done.”Ange Postecoglou celebrates victoryCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd and Tottenham learn Europa League last-16 opponents as final game wins make it HARDER with full table confirmed

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham’s Europa League fate has been determined. United won away at FCSB while Spurs beat Swedish side IF Elfsborg at home to bypass the playoff round and proceed straight for March’s last-16.Kobbie Mainoo celebrates with with Alejandro GarnachoCredit: GettyTottenham breezed throughCredit: APAnd, as they finished next to each other in the final league stage table in 3rd and 4th, the underperforming Prem pair have the SAME four potential opponents.Those are the four teams who 13th, 14th, 19th and 20th – Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, FC Midtjylland or AZ Alkmaar – who will face off with each other in the February’s play-off round double-header.Ironically, if United and Spurs had NOT won their final league games – each would have faced potentially easier opponents.That is because, despite their league positions, Real Sociedad and Galatasaray remain two of the toughest sides in the competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe draw takes place on Friday to determine the play-off fixtures – where each of Spurs and United’s potential opponents will be narrowed down to two.United saw off their Romanian rivals 2-0 thanks to goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo. While injury-ravaged Spurs ran riot in the last 20 minutes with academy kids Dane Scarlett, Oyindamola Ajayi and Mikey Moore getting on the score sheet. Rangers also took an automatic top eight qualification spot after beating Belgium’s Royale Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Scottish side could now play either Anderlecht, Bodo/Glimt, Twente or Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.Spurs’ win ensured they missed a potentially awkward reunion with old boss Mourinho – for now at least.’Joke of a club’ rant Man Utd fans as 100s of Rangers fans swarm into home end for Battle of Britain Europa League clashNice, Braga, Hoffenheim, Besiktas and Dynamo Kyiv are some of the big names dumped out of Europe. Elfsborg, Maccabi TA, Slavia, Malmo, RFS, Ludogorets and Qarabag make up the full 12. Now 16 clubs battle it out for the eight remaining spots in the knockout stages. Ajax, Porto, Roma, FCSB, Plzen, Ferencvaros and PAOK are also in the play-offs. Lazio topped the table and could now draw arch rivals Roma – as well as either Porto, Plzen or Ferencvaros. Who faces who in the Europa League?Here’s a look at the ties across the competition…Teams who finished from ninth to 24th in the Europa league phase will play off to decide who reaches the last-16.PLAYOFF ROUNDBodo/Glimt vs Twente or FenerbahceAnderlecht vs Twente or FenerbahceFCSB vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKAjax vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKReal Sociedad vs AZ Alkmaar or MidtjyllandGalatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar or MidtjyllandRoma vs Ferencvaros or PortoPlzen vs Ferencvaros or PortoWinners of playoff ties will then face the teams who finished in the top eight of the league phase in the last-16…LAST 16Lazio vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or PortoAthletic Bilbao vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or PortoMan Utd vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ AlkmaarTottenham vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ AlkmaarFrankfurt vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKLyon vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKOlympiakos vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or FenerbahceRangers vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or Fenerbahce More

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    Arsenal are one of Premier League’s LUCKIEST teams this season despite fan complaints as full luck table revealed

    THE Premier League luck table has been revealed – with Arsenal getting the rub of the green.The title-chasing Gunners have been on the wrong end of a number of decisions so far this season.Arsenal have been one of the more lucky teams in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyManchester United have been at the other end of the able, so far this campaignCredit: APThat includes a now rescinded red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolves last weekend.However, new stats by analysts at OLBG appear to show Mikel Arteta’s side haven’t been as unlucky as they think in the Premier League.A mix of minimal defensive errors and moderate VAR outcomes see Arsenal third in the table.They’ve not conceded an error leading to a goal all season, and score a number of them.READ MORE ON ARSENALHowever, they have had seven injuries this campaign, to key players such as Bukayo Saka.Meanwhile, Manchester United and Chelsea are having very little when it comes to luck.They’ve had a mixture of injuries, VAR decision against them, and a staggering NINE errors leading to goals.Ruben Amorim’s side haven’t had VAR on their side much, and struggled to bag late on.Most read in FootballMeanwhile, Chelsea are in the same boat, with five decisions for and against through VAR.They’ve also had the same amount of injuries and late goals scored.The Blues have conceded eight times between the 81-90 minute in the Premier League, as well.The table – which is solely based off stats – shows Newcastle are the luckiest side ahead of Gameweek 24.Southampton, who are bottom of the real Prem, are the unluckiest, with 17 goals against them from errors.The Saints have also had a tough time stopping late goals, with 11 against them in the final ten.How the Premier League luck table worksErrors Leading to Goals – 20%Goals Conceded (81-90 min) – 20%Number of Injuries – 10%VAR Against – 20%VAR For – 20%Goals Scored (81-90 min) – 10%Ipswich and Everton are also around the bottom, struggling with a high amount of mistakes.Each team has been given a luck score out of 100 for the unique insight into the 2024-25 campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The Luck Index offers a fascinating perspective on how external factors, beyond skill and strategy, can influence the Premier League,” said Jake Aston, Sports Betting Expert at OLBG.”It’s a unique way to analyse the unpredictable elements of football.” More

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    ‘This is laughable’ say fans as Arsenal CHARGED by FA after reaction to Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs Wolves

    THE FA has charged Arsenal for “improper” conduct against Wolves on Saturday.Arsenal stars were left furious when Myles Lewis-Skelly received a straight red card at Molineux for a cynical foul on Matt Doherty around 90 yards out from goal.Arsenal stars have been charged after stars surrounded the referee against WolvesCredit: GettyThey subsequently surrounded referee Michael Oliver to appeal the decision just before half-time.And the Gunners have now been charged for the incident.An FA statement read: “Arsenal FC has been charged after its players surrounded a match official during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers FC on Saturday, 25 January.”The club allegedly failed to ensure that its players did not behave in an improper manner around the 43rd minute.”Arsenal FC has until Monday, 3 February, to provide a response.”The Gunners went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to a 74th-minute strike from summer signing Riccardo Calafiori.Mikel Arteta was left “fuming” as a result of the red card despite the win.However, Oliver’s controversial decision was overturned earlier this week following an appeal.Most read in FootballLewis-Skelly’s dismissal was deemed to be “wrongful” and his three-game suspension was rescinded.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Arsenal vs Man City live stream: How to watch Premier League clash

    ARSENAL and Manchester City meet head to head in the Premier League’s blockbuster fixture on Sunday.While both teams are fresh off a Champions league win, both sides will quickly turn their attention back to the domestic campaign in the interim.Arsenal won again in the Champions League securing third spotCredit: GettyMan City scraped through to the qualifying rounds after a first half scareCredit: PAArsenal have been in somewhat decent form winning five of their last seven games with no losses – Mikel Arteta knows they need nothing other than a win to keep their faint hopes of the Premier League title alive.Last time Arsenal were in domestic action, they overcame Wolves with 10 men by a one goal margin. As for City, they strolled past Chelsea putting them back up to fourth in the league. Despite City’s terrible start to the season, since Christmas they are slowly returning to their normal selves being unbeaten in six in the league winning four of them. It’s a fixture that could prove massive for both sides, with Arsenal dropping points could mean their title chances will be all but over.How to watch Arsenal vs Man CityArsenal and City’s mouthwatering clash will be broadcast live on Sky in the UK.Fans will also have the option to stream all entire action on Sky Go App and NowTV which is available to download via any compatible mobile device or tablet. Alternatively, tune into SunSport’s comprehensive live blog for all the action as it happens. Kick-off for the huge match is scheduled to get underway at 4.30pm GMT on Sunday, February 2.What other Premier League games are happening on the weekend?Nottingham Forest vs BrightonBournemouth vs LiverpoolEverton vs LeicesterIpswich vs SouthamptonNewcastle vs FulhamWolves vs Aston VillaBrentford vs SpursMan Utd vs Crystal Palace More

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    ‘That’s better than Shrek’ jokes Wayne Rooney as Roy Keane reveals Hollywood star people mistake him for in the streets

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane revealed he gets stopped on the streets by people who mistake him for a famous Hollywood star.Keane, 53, is one of the greatest midfielders in the history of the game and one of the most popular pundits in TV.Manchester United legend Roy Keane revealed the Hollywood star people mistake him forCredit: GettyKeane claims people mistake him for famous actor Mel GibsonCredit: GettyHowever, some still mistake the former Republic of Ireland international for someone completely different.Keane joined former team-mate Gary Neville as well as Ian Wright, Wayne Rooney and Jill Scott in the latest edition of Stick to Football.And the Irish great revealed sometimes people think he’s Mel Gibson – something he’s obviously not very excited about…Keane revealed: “A couple of people called me when I’m around and walking… They called me Mel!”Read More on Man UtdWright asked: “Mel Gibson…?”And Keane responded: “Yeah! [They say] I thought you were Mel Gibson.”I was like, ‘Mel Gibson is f*****g 80’!”Gibson, star of hit movie series Mad Max and Lethal Weapon, is in fact only 69.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKeane’s fellow pundits agreed that was a compliment, especially Rooney, 39.Man Utd’s record goalscorer has received a lot less flattering comparisons throughout his career.Rooney quipped: “That’s better than Shrek anyway…”‘Are you alright-‘ – Gary Neville stunned as Wayne Rooney admits he STILL wants to manage and reveals unusual next stepThe legendary striker has recently crossed over to management but has been struggling greatly as he was sacked twice in 2024 by Birmingham and most recently Plymouth.Nevertheless, Wazza refuses to give up as he revealed he wants another crack at the dugout.The England great also weighed in on the Marcus Rashford drama revealing that he watched him training by himself and felt embarrassed for him.Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney insists Keane has it better than himRooney has been compared to Shrek throughout his careerCredit: Alamy More