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      Tottenham suffer huge blow to top-four hopes with Udogie ‘out for three months after surgery and will miss Euro 2024’

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      TOTTENHAM have suffered a huge blow to their Champions League aspirations as Destiny Udogie is out for the rest of the season.The Italian is also set to miss this summer’s Euros.Destiny Udogie has undergone surgeryCredit: Instagram / @udogiethreeHe is expected to miss the rest of the season and the EurosCredit: Instagram / @udogiethreeUdogie’s injury is a huge blow for SpursCredit: AlamyUdogie revealed on Instagram that he has undergone surgery on an injury.He did not specify what the problem was.Udogie posted snaps from his hospital bed with friends and family by his side.The left-back wrote: “An injury brings my season to an early end. It doesn’t take away from how grateful I am to every person that has supported me this year.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUdogie is set to be sidelined for three months, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano.It is devastating news for Spurs and could damage their fight for a top-four spot.Ange Postecoglou’s side are fifth in the table – three points behind fourth placed Aston Villa.Udogie joined Tottenham in the summer of 2022 and was immediately loaned back to Udinese for the rest of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut finally getting his chance in the Premier League this term, he has impressed and featured 30 times in all competitions.Udogie’s form saw him earn his first call-up to the Italy squad back in October.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersHe has since earned three international caps – but Luciano Spalletti’s side are set to be without him at the Euros as they face Albania, Spain and Croatia in the group stage. More

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      Kevin De Bruyne tipped for stunning MLS transfer by former Belgium team-mate as Man City ace’s contract runs down

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE has been tipped for a transfer to the MLS by a former team-mate.The Manchester City midfielder’s contract is set to expire at the end of next season.Kevin De Bruyne has been tipped for a move to the MLS by Christian BentekeCredit: RexBenteke believes his former team-mate would be a good fit for two clubsCredit: AFPCity have yet to extend his deal after putting off talks during his lengthy injury lay-off.De Bruyne missed four months earlier this season with a hamstring injury.He has now been tipped to join either LAFC or LA Galaxy once he leaves the Etihad Stadium.His former Belgium and Genk team-mate Christian Benteke believes De Bruyne would be a good fit for the MLS.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBenteke told the MLS’ Extratime show: “He’s 32 and he’s been around in Europe for many, many years.”I can see him at a team in LA.”De Bruyne has continued to impress since returning from injury for City.The 32-year-old has scored five goals and provided 14 assists in 19 appearances this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Phil Foden has emerged as his creative successor in the City midfield after amassing 14 goals and seven assists in the league.De Bruyne previously played with Benteke for both Belgium and Genk earlier in his career.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanThe striker also spent a decade in England with Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace before joining MLS side DC United in 2022.He has since scored 21 goals in 44 league appearances in the USA and has praised the standard of the competition.Speaking about the MLS in general, he added: “I would describe the league as physical and technical.Why Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
      Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
      And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
      Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
      He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
      “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
      Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
      “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
      Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.”

      “It’s a mix of both because people think, ‘Oh yeah, MLS is easy. They don’t really care about football or soccer.'”Until you play the game, you understand that you will enjoy yourself. But you better be ready, you better respect the league because it’s not that easy.” More

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      Ten Hag ‘will leave Man Utd if he doesn’t get vote of confidence from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’ as Southgate and Potter linked

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      ERIK TEN HAG could reportedly quit Manchester United this summer if he does not get assurances from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.The British billionaire has purchased 25 per cent of the club and his team are now in charge of football operations at Old Trafford.Erik ten Hag could quit Man Utd this summerCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to make huge changes at the clubCredit: PAMan Utd are almost certain to miss out on next season’s Champions League and face a battle to qualify for any European competition.Pressure is mounting on Ten Hag, with Ratcliffe ready to start making huge changes at the end of the season.No decision has yet been made on the manager’s future.But The Mirror claim Ten Hag could quit Man Utd should he not get the vote of confidence from the new chief.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Dutch boss has a year left on his deal and the club have the option to extend it by a year.There has reportedly been no contract talks yet and he could feel it’s the right time to leave should he not have long-term backing from Ratcliffe.Ten Hag is supposedly open to ditching United in favour of a return to Ajax.CEO Alex Kroes has been suspended by the Amsterdam-based side amid allegations of insider training.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut should he be reinstated, reports suggest he will try to reappoint Ten Hag.Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively revealed that Graham Potter is being lined up as his replacement at Man Utd.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleSunSport also understand that England boss Gareth Southgate is in the running if he leaves the Three Lions at the end of the Euros.Meanwhile, Ratcliffe is forming his new team to run the club after hiring Omar Berrada as CEO, Jason Wilcox as technical director and Dan Ashworth is set to join as sporting director.Graham Potter could be appointed as Ten Hag’s replacementCredit: PAGareth Southgate has been linked with the United jobCredit: GettyMan Utd are LUCKY to be seventh in the table… one particular stat is terrible, say Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      THE frightening thing about Manchester United’s season is that they should really be LOWER than seventh in the Premier League.
      Even during their current run of one win in seven league matches, United’s results have been better than their performances.
      Erik ten Hag’s team deserved to lose each of their last three drawn games against Brentford, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
      On goal difference, United are ninth in the league, while only seven teams have scored fewer than their 47 goals.
      And if we give any credence to ‘expected points’, then that stat would have them 15th in the table.
      If Ten Hag’s men lose Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final to Championship side Coventry, it should not come as a major surprise.
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

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      Premier League cult hero and ex-EFL boss, 47, now managing national team recently ranked lowest in the world

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      PREMIER LEAGUE icon Lee Bowyer has gone from playing in England to managing one of the world’s lowest ranked teams.Bowyer, 47, took charge of Montserrat’s national side in a shock announcement last year.Former Premier League player and EFL manager Lee Bowyer is now in charge of MontserratCredit: PABowyer played for the likes of Leeds, Newcastle and Birmingham before moving into the dugoutCredit: GettyThe Caribbean Island boasts a population of under 5,000 and is currently ranked 175th in world football.Just a decade ago they were the lowest-ranked side on the planet.Cambridge United striker Lyle Taylor is their star man and captain.But Bowyer has already impressed during his short time at the helm.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe got off to a flyer in his first game as he helped Montserrat win 3-2 against Barbados.Bowyer’s men then lost their next three matches, once against Dominican Republic and twice against Nicaragua.However, Montserrat have since been on a roll with three wins on the bounce.They saw off Dominican Republic and Barbados at the end of 2023.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd Bowyer has a 100 per cent record this year after a friendly victory over Club Costa City in Spain.He is now preparing to help Montserrat seal a historic spot at the 2026 World Cup, with qualifiers against Nicaragua and Panama on the horizon.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersIt certainly marks a drastic turn of events in Bowyer’s career.The one-time England international made his name as a no-nonsense midfielder for clubs including Charlton, Leeds and West Ham.Bowyer also played for Newcastle, Birmingham and Ipswich before moving into management.He spent three years with Charlton before having a year at Birmingham.And Bowyer could yet have a future in the English game should his time at Montserrat continue to be fruitful.Speaking after his appointment, Bowyer said: “(Why did I take the job?) It’s a challenge. That’s why.“I’ve been a player, and people write you off. I’ve been a manager, and people write the team off. I’ve played in teams that, on paper, should never win the game and we have.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m coming into this with an open mind thinking, ‘OK this is knockout football. Anybody can beat anybody in a one-off game.’ That’s my mentality, and that’s what I’m bringing to the players.“Everywhere we go, from what I hear, people think ‘We’ll beat Montserrat’ because of the population. … Look, things change.”Lee Bowyer’s career statsPlaying career:

      Charlton, 1994-1996: 58 games, 14 goals

      Leeds, 1996-2002: 265 games, 55 goals

      West Ham, 2002-2003: 11 games, 0 goals

      Newcastle, 2003-2006: 98 games, 11 goals

      West Ham, 2006-2008: 60 games, 5 goals

      Birmingham, 2009-2011: 94 games, 12 goals

      Ipswich Town, 2011-2012: 29 games, 2 goals

      England, 2002: 1 game, 0 goals

      Trophies: Carabao Cup (Birmingham)

      Managerial career:

      Charlton, 2018-2021: P157 W64 D37 L56

      Birmingham, 2021-2022: P59 W17 D16 L26

      Montserrat, 2023-2024: P6 W3 D0 L3 More

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      European giants enter transfer race for Bernardo Silva with Man City star wanted in £50million summer move

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      BERNARDO SILVA is top of the summer wish list for Real Madrid AND Paris Saint-Germain.And the Spanish giants are convinced they are favourites to land the Portuguese playmaker — who has long been a target.Real Madrid and PSG are in the hunt for Man City star Bernardo SilvaCredit: AlamyHowever, Bernardo only signed a 12-month extension a year ago, stretching his current deal to 2026.The deal also includes a £50million release clause.And Bernabeu bosses are determined to outmuscle French outfit PSG.It was the 29-year-old’s fluffed shootout spot-kick which helped Real wreck Manchester City’s dreams of a double Treble.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet they reckon his versatility in midfield would make him a key figure at the Bernabeu.While the release figure is seen as a bargain for someone of his ability.Bernardo is aware of the interest from Real and PSG.And although there is no issue with City, he would prefer a move overseas for family reasons.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERReal aren’t the only Spanish giants interest in Bernardo though.Barcelona are long-term admirers after attempting to land him last summer.Bernardo Silva marries stunning Wag Ines Tomaz in front of his Man City pals… then serenades guests with folk a songAnd striker Joao Felix, also Bernardo’s Portugal teammate, admits the City man has been asking about life in Catalonia.Felix, on loan at Barca from Atletico Madrid, said this month: “If Bernardo Silva comes, I’m going to ask for a commission.”“Everything I have said is true and if he comes they will be delighted with him.”He is very careful with everything and he asked me about places to live, places to eat, about security.“He asked me a little about everything and I said about tax issues because that’s what came to mind.”I think so, I think so (Bernardo’s convinced by Barcelona). Well, but now I don’t think it depends on him.” More

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      Arsenal outcast Aaron Ramsdale eyed by Premier League rivals who could sell their No1 to fund shock transfer

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      ARSENAL outcast Aaron Ramsdale is being lined up for a shock move to Wolves.That’s with the Midlands club set to sell keeper Jose Sa after continued interest from Saudi Arabia.Wolves are lining up a move for Arsenal No2 Aaron RamsdaleCredit: GettyJose Sa looks set for a Saudi switch this summerCredit: GettyPortugal star Sa, 31, may go to the Middle East with agent Jorge Mendes close to its transfer power brokers.Wolves are looking at replacements and may drop Sa before the end of the season.Arsenal No2 Ramsdale is on their wish list, as are Liverpool back-up Caoimhin Kelleher and Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson.Should Wolves look to move for any of them, they will need a big fee from Saudi for Sa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Crystal Palace No 1 Sam Johnstone’s elbow injury has made him an unlikely target in the summer window.Ramsdale could be ready to leave Arsenal after just six Premier League appearances this term.He was dropped by Mikel Arteta following the arrival of David Raya on loan from Brentford last summer.The Spaniard’s deal will be made permanent at the end of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd Ramsdale faces another campaign on the bench unless he moves on.As for Kelleher, he has seen plenty of action for Liverpool this season.Aaron Ramsdale sends cheeky message to Arsenal fan account after Havertz attempts stunning bicycle kick goal in trainingThe Irishman has clocked up 26 appearances in all competitions — more than all his previous seasons combined at Anfield.However, most of those have come as a result of Alisson’s injury woes.And with the Brazilian back in business, Kelleher could fancy a switch after enjoying his stint as No1.Finally, Sunderland’s Patterson has impressed as their No1 for the last two seasons in the Championship.But the local lad could find it hard to turn down a top-flight move with the Black Cats missing out on a play-off place. More

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      Leicester eye swoop for Man City wonderkid despite midfielder snubbing loan transfer last summer

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      LEICESTER plan to sign Manchester City starlet James McAtee at the second attempt . . . if they are promoted.McAtee snubbed Foxes coach Enzo Maresca — Pep Guardiola’s former No 2 at the Etihad —  when he chose a return to Sheffield United on loan for another season.Leicester are eyeing a move for James McAtee, who is on loan at Sheffield Utd from Man CityCredit: GettyThe 21-year-old attacking midfielder even travelled to the Championship club’s HQ but opted to pursue the chance of playing in the Prem after helping the Blades go up last term.But now Maresca wants McAtee — known as the Salford Silva — who should be allowed out by City after his return from the Blades in the summer.McAtee wants to continue to play in the Prem, so the Foxes need to complete their promotion mission to tempt him.City would also want McAtee to be at that level before loaning him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere is a chance of a buy but Leicester have Financial Fair Play issues to grapple with.Leicester have been active in Brazil and Argentina as they prepare for life back in the Prem despite mixed results in recent weeks.And their scouts are also checking on French left-back Eric Junior Bocat, 24, at Belgian top-flight side Sint-Truiden as they plan to improve that area. Bocat is ideal for the wing-back position and has developed since leaving Lille four years ago.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMeanwhile, Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder wants to sign Luke Ayling as he builds a new squad to bounce back next season.Ayling, 32, is a free agent in the summer after a short stay at Middlesbrough. Awkward moment iShowSpeed confronted by Man City fans and forced to shut down stream during Real Madrid clashThe ex-Leeds defender can play right-back or centre-half and is the kind of solid player that Wilder wants.Blades will have funds after losing many out-of-contract players but landing a top free like Ayling works well for them.United are also eyeing loans and are keen on Luton’s 24-year-old striker John McAtee — elder brother of James —  who has starred at Barnsley.  More

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      Wolves 0 Arsenal 2: Trossard and Odegaard strikes put Gunners back on top of Premier League after Bayern heartache

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      LEANDRO TROSSARD and Martin Odegaard fired Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League to breathe life back into their title challenge.But it was the Gunners’ ability to keep the door closed at the back which could ultimately win them the league in May.Leandro Trossard fired Arsenal back to the top of the tableCredit: ReutersHis strike flew in off the post and into the top cornerCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard would the net from a tight angle in injury timeCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s defensive triangle of David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel kept a clean sheet for the sixth successive away league match for the first time in the club’s history.It was enough for Arsenal to end their winless run of three games as they ground out a gritty but unspectacular win.But it could turn out to be worth its weight in Old Gold by the end of the season.Arsenal would normally have gone into this game with a swagger.READ MORE ON ARSENALThey had won their last five matches against Wolves and managed to score at least once in each of their last 32 meetings in all competitions against Wanderers.However, the Gunners were still licking their wounds following damaging back-to-back defeats by Aston Villa and Bayern Munich and looking for their first win in four games.Those painful defeats left Arsenal’s season on the brink of collapse and piled the pressure on Arteta’s players.However, this is the business end of the season and it was down to them to make sure it was business as usual again as they looked to return to the top of the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey never quite achieved that but results are all that matter at this time of the season.Unfortunately for Arteta, his team started like they were still nursing a hangover from their midweek trip to Munich.7 times Arsenal vs Chelsea games EXPLODEDSure they enjoyed plenty of possession and carved out a regular supply of half-chances but created little to trouble Jose Sa in Wolves’ goal.Within the opening minute, Kai Havertz shot on the turn but it lacked power and Sa saved it low to his right.Gabriel Jesus snatched at another effort, drilling the ball wide and Saka’s looping header was easily plucked out of the air by Sa.Trossard was doing his best to get the Gunners going and twice in the space of five minutes he laid inviting balls back to the edge of the Wolves box.But on both occasions, Declan Rice used the instep of his right boot and side-footed wide.The Gunners were looking leggy and lethargic from their trip to Bavaria and Gary O’Neil’s depleted Wolves grew in confidence.Tawanda Chirewa, their 20-year-old forward, tried his luck from 25 yards but the ball deflected off Rice into Raya’s arms.Leandro Trossard miscued from a Ben White cutback and shortly afterwards he was booked for a foul on Joao Gomes.Arsenal were looking a shadow of the side who had been favourites to lift the title just four games ago.And they had David Raya to thank for keeping them on level terms when Wolves came within a fraction of breaking the deadlock.Jakub Kiwior, who looked well off the pace throughout, was far too casual and was robbed by Gomes, who held him off before smashing an angled shot goalwards.But Raya defied him by instinctively thrusting out his left glove to deflect the ball onto the post.Gomes held his head in his hands, aware that Wolves’ best chance was probably gone.Rice’s frustration boiled over and he was booked for a foul on Bueno, before angrily protesting that ref Paul Tierney had ignored a worse foul by Max Kilman on Havertz.While Havertz was receiving treatment Arteta called his players to the touchline, gesturing frantically, as he attempted to inject some life into them.Saliba obviously didn’t receive the memo because he played a loose pass straight to Hugo Bueno before tidying up his own mess with a well-timed tackle.However Arteta’s words clearly made an impression on his forwards because out of nowhere the Gunners dramatically seized the lead just before half-time.There was a large slice of fortune involved but no one in red and white seemed too bothered.David Raya made a smart stop to deny Joao GomesCredit: GettyHwang Hee-Chan’s foul on Jakub Kiwior looked a painful oneCredit: PAMikel Arteta will be delighted with his players’ response after a tough weekCredit: APCaptain Odegaard marked his goal with this celebrationCredit: GettyHavertz lofted the ball into the box and Jesus appeared to clip Doherty before the Wolves man hauled him to the ground.Rather than staying on the turf and claiming for a penalty, the Brazilian bounced back to his feet and, although his first touch was heavy the ball fell invitingly to Trossard.The Belgian was off balance as he shot but somehow the ball sliced off his toe and sailed over Sa, clipping the inside of the post on its way into the net.It was Trossard’s ninth goal of the season – the most he has ever managed – and it sent Arsenal back to the top of the table.Hwang Hee-Chan was booked after the break for going in late on Kiwior and was swiftly replaced by Mario Lemina.The Wolves midfielder tested Raya with a shot which the keeper plucked out of the air.Arteta replaced Trossard with Gabriel Martinelli as he searched for the comfort of a second goal.But it was Wolves who were pressing now without really troubling Raya.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen as the match spilled into injury time it was Sa who had to rescue Wolves, saving from Rice and Martinelli before Odegaard finally put Wolves to the sword.The Arsenal captain took the ball from Havertz and although his attempted return pass was blocked, he was first to react and squeezed the ball home from a tight angle to seal the Gunners’ 23rd Premier League win of the season.David Raya kept another away clean sheetCredit: GettyWolves had a depleted squad going into the gameCredit: ReutersGabriel Martinelli was denied by Jose SaCredit: PA More