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    Chelsea receive huge blow to European qualification hopes as £106m midfielder Enzo Fernandez OUT for rest of season

    CHELSEA have been dealt a huge blow with Enzo Fernandez ruled out for the rest of the season.The midfielder now faces a race against time to be fit in time for the Copa America this summer.Enzo Fernandez has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonCredit: ReutersFernandez has been suffering with an inguinal hernia for over a month, according to Argentine outlet Ole.The issue has affected his groin region between the lower abdomen and the thigh and requires surgery.Chelsea had hoped to treat the injury without Fernandez undergoing an operation, with the 23-year-old also speaking to a kinesiologist whom he worked with during his days at River Plate.But following a consultation with the Argentina medical team it was decided that surgery was the best course of action.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFernandez has now gone under the knife with Chesea’s season more or less over after they were knocked out of the FA Cup.He will likely spend three weeks sidelined as he recovers from the procedure.Chelsea issued a statement which read: “Enzo Fernandez has today undergone successful surgery on a groin issue and will now begin a period of rehabilitation, sidelining him for the remainder of Chelsea’s 2023/24 season.”The 23-year-old midfielder will work with the club’s medical department on his rehabilitation at Cobham.”Most read in FootballThe World Cup winner will now focus on healing and getting back fit in time for the Copa America opener, which takes place on June 21.The youngster is a key player for his country despite coming under fire at Chelsea this season.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut despite his poor form, manager Mauricio Pochettino has kept the faith and promised there is more to come.He said: “For sure he is going to be much better next season, after the experience of the whole season in this squad and this team,’ he said.Inside Chelsea flop Mateja Kezman’s amazing mountain resort in Serbia “He’s more experienced, he gets better feelings. The whole season is good for him to learn.”Even if he is a world champion, he needs to adapt to the Premier League and to this club. For me, there is no doubt that he is going to be much better.” More

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    Jurgen Klopp’s slow death march is a boost for next man in Liverpool hotseat as Arne Slot edges closer to deal

    RARELY can the wearing of a half-and-half scarf be justified.Particularly on the occasion of a passionate Merseyside derby with so much at stake for Everton and Liverpool.Arne Slot might find Anfield less daunting after Liverpool’s title woeCredit: PAJurgen Klopp’s recent plight as Liverpool boss could help his successorCredit: GettyYet if Arne Slot wrapped his neck in red and blue, while squirrelled away in his Rotterdam living room this week, it would be just about acceptable, if not advisable.Replacing outgoing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp at the end of this season must be exhilarating — but slightly more terrifying for anyone being seriously  considered for the job.Feyenoord chief Slot, 45, has emerged as the No 1 candidate and while it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, it is also one of the toughest gigs going.Klopp has won seven big trophies in eight years but, moreover, restored a sense of entitlement at Anfield.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe feeling that the club is back where it belongs among football’s top feeders.Even if the imposing German was only half his 6ft 3in, those would be big shoes to fill.Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at Everton has torpedoed the Reds’ title hopes.And, with them, romantic Scouse visions of Klopp, 56, being carried shoulder high through the Shankly Gates with a second Premier League winner’s medal hanging off him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROvernight, the team looks weary and in need of a makeover similar to the manager’s cosmetic tooth job and laser eye surgery.But doom for Klopp is delight for Slot.Most dramatic Premier League’s final daysIt is now odds-on that  the man who has come to symbolise the renaissance on red Merseyside will head off into the sunset with only the Carabao Cup to go with his carriage clock.And how much easier  that makes it for Slot — or whoever takes over — to pick up the baton.Who wants the job of  trying to lead the Kop giants into an entirely new era when the trophy cabinet is bulging with bright, shiny new trinkets?Nobody wants to follow on from a legend.Whichever massively underpaid no mark eventually takes on my job will find it a breeze — because the only way is up. See what I mean?David Moyes found out  to his cost what it’s like attempting to remould Manchester United in his own image as the successor to Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Every aspect of life at Old Trafford, from the boardroom to boot room, was soaked in the angry old Scot’s DNA.Even Fergie’s Glaswegian blood brother Moyes felt alien at United.Just to make it even harder, Britain’s most  successful manager signed off in style by winning the  Premier League title by a whopping 11 points from Manchester City to assert United’s local dominance.That’s the stuff of dreams for the bloke being put out to pasture with a trumpet fanfare.But a nightmare for the man coming in needing to get a new tune out of the same instrument.Mo Salah will need replacing and Darwin Nunez must discover consistencyCredit: APMan United still haven’t solved the problem 11  years on.The next Liverpool gaffer will have to replace Mo Salah, even if the 31-year-old Egyptian goal machine does not bunk off to Saudi Arabia this summer.He must turn Darwin Nunez, 24, into a consistent threat who doesn’t shrink on big occasions.Virgil van Dijk is 32 and not the force of nature he once was. The defence needs work with one new centre-back, maybe two.That’s some to-do list, but far better to come in when the team is at a low ebb  to make picking it up that much simpler.The fact Liverpool are contriving to turn what was a genuine shot at a goodbye quadruple for Klopp into a slow death march should at least make one man happy, at least on the QT.HAVE A RETHINKSHOULD Arsenal go on to win the Premier League title, boss Mikel Arteta knows who to thank.Pundit Craig Burley has been a repeat critic of Kai Havertz this term — pulling no punches in his analysis of the German forward following his £65million move from Chelsea last summer.Kai Havertz scored twice vs old club Chelsea to show his value to ArsenalCredit: RexThe former Blues midfielder said in August: “There is nothing in this  Havertz performance or performances that suggest  he is any different, not one iota, from the player who was performing for Chelsea.“The only difference is he’s wearing a red shirt.”Burley went as far as to urge Arteta to drop Havertz,  labelling him the ‘elephant in the room’ regarding Arsenal’s weaknesses.The Gunners battered  Burley and Havertz’s old Blues side 5-0 on Tuesday — with the German netting twice in the second half — to go back to the  top of the table.Havertz has averaged a goal every other game in the past 14 matches and is now considered  a cornerstone of a team making huge strides at home and in Europe.Burley may well have been right in what he said at the start of the season.But you’d have to pay a  fortune for that kind of reverse psychology on Bupa.BAD VIBE ON AMOWHAT a shame West Ham’s attempts to land Ruben Amorim as their next manager look to have collapsed.No surprise there as relations between the Hammers and Amorim’s current club Sporting  Lisbon can’t be that warm.It’s no surprise West Ham’s interest in Ruben Amorin is flounderingCredit: GettyBack in 2017, Sporting infamously labelled West Ham’s porn baron owners David Sullivan and David Gold the “dildo brothers” in a row over a transfer deal.No way was Europe’s most sought-after coach going to come quietly.BREWTIFUL GAME, EH?JOACHIM ANDERSEN and his fellow Crystal Palace players have a WhatsApp group where they discuss their love of coffee.The defender told GQ magazine: “It’s massive for me. We have some connoisseurs here, you know?“I’m in a WhatsApp group called ‘Coffee Talk’ and we talk about everything  —  beans, machines, where to get the best coffee at away games.”How embarrassing that all is!  Whatever happened to good, old-fashioned X-rated pics?BIGWIGS CAN’T LAY INTO REFSNOTTINGHAM FOREST have done nothing new.Football fans have been questioning the integrity of referees for years.And their assistants and VARs when results don’t go their way.Often en masse and at great volume with choice words included as part of a chant.What Forest said on the record last weekend about VAR Stuart Attwell’s allegiance to relegation rivals Luton Town is only what most punters consider ‘bantz’ in the pub.Fans, like the clubs, are also what we call  ‘stakeholders’ in today’s  game.But there is a difference and this is what Forest have forgotten.Whoever sanctioned the  daft statement insinuating Attwell’s judgment could have been swayed by his love of the Hatters reduced themselves to a terrace barrister.While the club’s threat of legal action because pundit Gary Neville labelled them a ‘mafia gang’ only made it worse.However frustrating it might be to see your team going down the gurgler, a few people in the inner circle at a top club cannot behave like the 25,000 in the stands.That’s the price you  pay for making football your job.READ MORE SUN STORIESTOM’S TURNSO it’s congratulations to Tom Cleverley on his appointment as the new permanent boss of Watford — their 11th in the last six years.Given the high turnover  of managers at Vicarage Road, you have to wonder if they even bother with permanent markers to sign the  contracts. More

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    Arne Slot breaks silence and CONFIRMS he wants Liverpool job and is confident agreement will be reached with Feyenoord

    ARNE SLOT confirmed he is interested in the Liverpool job and revealed talks are taking place.Liverpool have been on the search for a new manager since Jurgen Klopp revealed he will step down at the end of the season.Arne Slot wants to become Liverpool managerCredit: GettySlot revealed he is keen to succeed the German and is confident the Reds will agree a deal with his current club Feyenoord.Slot said: “I’d like to become the new Liverpool manager, my decision is clear. It is no secret that I want to go to Liverpool.“Feyenoord and Liverpool are in talks to negotiate, I’m waiting to see what will come out of it. “I am confident, waiting for the clubs to reach an agreement.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFeyenoord are willing to allow Slot to leave but have yet to agree a compensation deal with Liverpool.The Merseyside club have been offering a package of about £8.5million but they might have to increase that to the £10m mark.If a deal is agreed Slot could be confirmed as the new Liverpool boss within the next 48 hours.Slot led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title last year while the club won the Dutch Cup last weekend.Most read in FootballSlot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King

    LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
    But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
    Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
    But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
    Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
    “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
    Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.

    BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut Feyenoord are on the brink of missing out on the title this season with PSV Eindhoven leading the way after suffering just one league defeat.Slot has a 64 per cent win record in charge of Feyenoord and previously impressed at AZ Alkmaar, averaging 2.11 points per game in the Eredivisie – the highest of any coach in the club’s history.Jurgen Klopp apologises to Liverpool fans after Merseyside derby defeatSlot was asked about his future by a reporter who was quickly grabbed by security.Sky Sports journalist Gary Cotterill approached Slot to ask him about his future but was quickly blocked off by a member of the manager’s entourage who grabbed hold of his shoulder and held him away at arm’s length.Slot smiled as he was quizzed about his future but was reluctant to divulge any information about a Merseyside move. More

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    Crystal Palace slap HUGE price tags on star duo Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise as Premier League rivals hover

    CRYSTAL PALACE will only entertain offers for star duo Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise that start at a whopping £60million for each player.Eze, 25, and Olise, 22, have shone brightly at Selhurst Park in the last few years and that has led to intense interest from a raft of elite clubs.Crystal Palace will only entertain offers for Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze starting at £60mCredit: GettyEze has been targeted by Manchester City and Chelsea in recent monthsCredit: RexOlise has been eyed by Manchester United, Chelsea and JuventusCredit: RexHowever, the Eagles are looking to take advantage of their strong negotiating position as they are safe from relegation and not at all obliged to sell their best players in the summer.Plus, both forwards are tied down to contracts that run until 2027 and thus Oliver Glasner’s side is in no rush.According to the BBC, Palace understand it is still highly likely suitors will come back during the summer transfer window.But they will have to splash at least £60m for each player and a potential bidding war would drive the price even higher.Read More on FootballHowever, any deal would be complex with percentages due to the attackers’ former clubs, the players themselves and of course Palace.Nevertheless, as SunSport revealed, Palace are preparing potential transfer contingency plans by drawing up a shortlist of targets that would succeed the pair.Eze was targeted by Manchester City last summer but the Treble winners ultimately went for Wolves star Matheus Nunes.Tottenham have also shown interest in the playmaker during this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea, on the other hand, tried to land Olise by offering £35m to their Premier League foes.Manchester United and Juventus have also been eyeing the winger in the last few months.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseHowever, both players are happy at Palace and would only consider a move that benefits them.That is why they would seriously consider a number of important factors, such as guarantees of first-team football. More

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    Jurgen Klopp snubbed recruitment team’s choice of striker to sign and decided on Darwin Nunez himself

    JURGEN KLOPP snubbed Liverpool’s scouting gurus’ choice of forward in order to sign Darwin Nunez, according to reports.The Reds forked out a club-record £85million to sign Nunez from Benfica in June 2022.Jurgen Klopp shushed Darwin Nunez after last night’s matchCredit: GettyThe pair then shared a hug on the pitch at Goodison ParkCredit: EPAThe Uruguayan has gone on to score 33 goals in 92 appearances for Klopp’s men thus far, also laying on 17 assists.Following last night’s 2-0 Merseyside derby defeat to Everton at Goodison Park, the Liverpool boss was spotted shushing Nunez, after he was seen making a “petulant” gesture towards the referee.Klopp, 56, has vouched for Nunez – having played a big role in bringing him to Anfield.According to The Times, Nunez was “very much a Klopp signing”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey add that the Reds’ recruitment team had favoured a move for Christopher Nkunku, who still played for RB Leipzig at this point.Nkunku, 26, would go on to sign for Chelsea last summer in a £52million swoop.The Frenchman did not feature for the Blues until December due to a knee injury, and has been limited to just seven Premier League appearances this term after being struck down by a hamstring issue in February.He did manage to score two goals for Mauricio Pochettino’s men while fit, including one at Anfield in a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool on January 31.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERChristopher Nkunku has endured an injury-hit seasonCredit: GettyNunez, meanwhile, has largely been available this term – but has provided some frustrating moments.Even last night he had pundit Jamie Carragher tearing his hair out when he fluffed a chance just before half-time.Football stars’ weird phobiasDiscussing Nunez, Carra said on Sky Sports: “The chance that Nunez misses before half-time, that is unforgivable at this level.“That is not acceptable at this level, certainly when Liverpool are going for the title.“I think there is a question to ask. You want him to do well because there is so much that you like because he gives everything, he runs and causes trouble and gets the odd goal and gets an assist.“But after two years, when Liverpool this season are going to the title and those big games, you need your man to score away at Old Trafford, away at Goodison, in the European game at Atalanta.“There is no time to waste, this is not October or November. This is the business end.”Klopp, meanwhile admitted that his side need to be more clinical while speaking to talkSPORT.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I really think we should just try to win football games by playing better, more convincing, using our chances.”That’s obviously the problem now over the last few weeks, I think that’s obvious. We create, we don’t use them often enough.” More

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    Ex-Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on shortlist for international boss job along with ex-Leeds boss and Chelsea coach

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been contacted by Canada ahead of the 2026 World Cup.The Canadian national team is targeting a major campaign in the upcoming competition, which takes place in their own territory as well as the US and Mexico.Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been contacted by CanadaCredit: GettyCanada initially wanted Jose Mourinho but he turned the job downCredit: PACanada also reached out to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard but he opted against itCredit: GettyAmerican Jesse Marsch is also eyed after his dismissal from LeedsCredit: PAThat is why team chiefs have drawn up a shortlist that includes a raft of big names including Solskjaer who has been out of a job since getting sacked by United in 2021.According to The Standard, Canada have reached out to the Norwegian tactician as well as other candidates like Jose Mourinho and Frank Lampard who were invited for an interview.Former Chelsea, United and Tottenham boss Mourinho kindly declined Canada’s offer as he is eyeing a return to elite club level football after his dismissal from Roma in January.That is why the Special One also turned down a lucrative offer from a Saudi Arabian club.Read More on FootballEx-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was also approached but he opted against the move after he decided the job was not the right opportunity for him to return to management.Lampard is still a free agent after his second spell as Stamford Bridge coach ended in May last year when he was placed on an interim capacity.American Jesse Marsch has also been contacted as he is a free agent as well.It is not known yet if Solskjaer or Marsch, who has been out of work since his dismissal from Leeds last year, would go for such an opportunity at this stage.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOther free agents like former Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest boss Aitor Karanka and ex-Chelsea coach Paul Clement are also on the shortlist.The same source claims the interest on Clement may be a long-term ploy to one day attract Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti once his time at the Santiago Bernabeu comes to an end.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtAncelotti and the ex-Swansea head coach have a long history as they worked together at Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Real.Forge FC boss Bobby Smyrniotis, who is widely regarded as one of the best managers in Canada, has also been interviewed.Canada are looking for John Herdman’s replacement after he left for Toronto FC and are confident their squad, which includes the likes of Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, can go far under the right leadership. More

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    ‘Will he want another season like this?’ – Virgil van Dijk tipped to follow Klopp and QUIT Liverpool by Holland legend

    DUTCH legend Ronald De Boer reckons this summer might be the right time for Virgil van Dijk to leave Liverpool.It will be the end of an era at Anfield when this season concludes as legendary boss Jurgen Klopp will step down.Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk may leave with Jurgen Klopp this summerCredit: RexRonald de Boer believes Van Dijk may be considering his optionsCredit: GettyKlopp will leave Liverpool in June after nine successful yearsCredit: PAIconic forward Mohamed Salah could well be on his way to Saudi Arabia too, while Netherlands star Van Dijk has previously hinted he may leave also after six trophy-laden years with the club.Former Champions League winner De Boer, 53, told talkSPORT: “He’s looking of course [whether] it’s now time to go.“Maybe not winning a prize and you think, hmm, do I want another year like that? I don’t know.“Maybe he can make a great transfer for the end of his career enjoying his football life, maybe in the States, maybe somewhere else, I don’t know, that’s up to him.Read More on Football“If he’s really, really happy at Liverpool and thinks he’s still got it in him and thinks he can bring that energy every day in training and also on the pitch, maybe he will stay.“I can’t look in his mind of course and know what he is thinking.“But there is a possibility, of course. There is a time for coming and going so maybe it’s time to go.”Van Dijk, who turns 33 in July, was scathing of his team-mates after Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at city rivals Everton left their Premier League title hopes hanging by a thread.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFeyenoord chief Arne Slot is the favourite to take over from Klopp and talks with Liverpool have already begun.De Boer loves the football approach of compatriot Slot – but picked out the toils of another Dutch boss when asked if the Feyenoord chief would be successful at Anfield.Jurgen Klopp apologises to Liverpool fans after Merseyside derby defeatThe ex-Rangers forward replied: “You never know, we thought [Erik] Ten Hag did remarkably well at Ajax, we thought he was the perfect replacement to take over the Man Utd job and he’s struggling.“But what I know from Arne Slot, he did incredible things. What stands out the most is his philosophy about football.“You see what he has done with Feyenoord in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, against Lazio, all good teams. Every time he surprised me as a manager.“Also when he talks about football it’s logical sense. When he talks to the press he’s honest but very clear with what he wants to explain. Everyone is really fond of him.”Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
    LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
    But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
    Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
    But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
    Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
    “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
    Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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    Man Utd fans blown away by club’s classy FA Cup final gesture and say Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘already making smart decisions’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have impressed fans with a classy gesture for the FA Cup final.The Red Devils booked their place at Wembley after narrowly overcoming Coventry on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra-time.Man Utd will subsidise young fans attending the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThey take on fierce rivals Manchester City and the club have come up with a goodwill gesture ahead of kick-off.United will subsidise tickets for every Under-16 season ticket holder attending the match.Fans will receive a £30 discount, meaning some supporters will be able to buy a ticket for just £5.Director of Fan Engagement Rick McGagh explained the reasons behind the decision, saying: “Every young football fan dreams of seeing their team win the FA Cup at Wembley.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“Working alongside the Fans’ Forum, we are delighted to make this dream a more affordable reality for our under 16 season ticket holders by subsidising their tickets so they can attend for as little as £5.“Promoting and investing in youth is part of the fabric of this football club and we are proud to offer more support to our young fans. “We know two trips to Wembley – and three for those also attending the women’s FA Cup final – in the space of a month is expensive for all fans, but especially so for young fans who usually attend with other family members. We look forward to having lots of our young supporters cheering the team on at Wembley.”Fans are delighted by the move with one saying: “Sounds pretty great.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnother added: “Lovely to hear!”A third wrote: “Jimbo [Sir Jim Ratcliffe] already making smart decisions.”Man Utd best XI of academy graduates would walk the Premier League and boasts two Ballon d’Or winnersAnd another commented: “This is class fair play to the club.”Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More