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    Swansea star Sam Parker, 17, wanted by two Champions League giants as they battle Burnley for wonderkid transfer

    SAM PARKER is wanted by PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig and Burnley.The Welsh teen star, 17, made his Swansea debut in the Championship away at Coventry last December.Swansea ace Sam Parker is targeted by RB Leipzig, PSV Eindhoven and BurnleyCredit: GettyParker, 17, has put together some impressive performances in the ChampionshipCredit: GettyHe made three first-team appearances at right wing-back – two in the league and the other in the FA Cup – before a hamstring injury curtailed his season.But Parker’s promise has alerted clubs both domestically and in Europe.And they have lodged their interest in the Wales Under-17 international.Dutch giants PSV have a track record of looking to develop British talent.Read More on FootballEindhoven helped improve Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.Parker is under contract with the Swans until the summer of 2026 after signing his first professional deal last August.The teenager, who turns 18 in July, has been with the Welsh club from Under-9level, and has since progressed through the ranks.Parker was also a member of the Wales squad that played in the European Under-17 Championships in Hungary in the summer of 2023.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPSV and Leipzig would be able to to offer the teenager Champions League football next season.Burnley, on the other hand, have found themselves in an intense relegation battle.Furious EFL star has to be held back from his OWN FANS by stewards as he demands ‘respect’ in angry post-match clashThe Clarets are 19th in the Premier League table with six points separating Vincent Kompany’s men from safety. More

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    Emi Martinez slated by former Arsenal team-mate as he reveals Aston Villa star used to be completely different person

    EMILIANO MARTINEZ has come in for a scathing attack from his one-time Arsenal clubmate Samir Nasri.The keeper earned legend status at Aston Villa with two penalty saves during Thursday’s Europa Conference League triumph at Lille.Aston Villa ace Emi Martinez was slammed by a former Arsenal team-mate for his anticsCredit: GettyEx-Arsenal star Samir Nasri is not impressed with Martinez’s anticsCredit: Getty Images – GettyMartinez wound up home fans with a series of shushing gestures during the shoot-out as Villa clinched their place in the semi-finals.The Argentine was already unpopular in France following his antics in the 2022 World Cup final.He first denied Randal Kolo Muani a certain late winner before using mind games to help his side win on penalties.Martinez, 31, has now incurred the wrath of former France midfielder Nasri.Read More on ArsenalThe 36-year-old spent the 2010-11 season at Arsenal alongside the keeper, who had arrived from home-country club Independiente.Future Manchester City ace Nasri told Canal Plus: “Martinez’s behaviour annoys me, all the more because he didn’t used to be like that before.”I knew him at Arsenal, when he was very young, and then he used to be very low-key.”But now that kind of behaviour has become his stock in trade.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When you save a penalty you have no need to wind up the opposing fans by telling them ‘shush.'”I think that is very borderline conduct, especially as he doesn’t need to do it to show he exists.Watch Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez demand a minute’s silence for Mbappe in wild World Cup celebrations”He made that key save from Kolo Muani, there was that penalty shootout against France, and now once more against Lille.”He doesn’t need to say ‘shush’ to get people talking about him.”Martinez has stood out for Aston Villa between the sticks More

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    Man City ‘plot huge Jamal Musiala transfer bid as Pep Guardiola draws up three-man shortlist’

    MANCHESTER CITY are eager to sign Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala this summer, according to reports.The reigning Premier League champions will look to strengthen once again this summer, after not being fully satisfied with last year’s business.Jamal Musiala helped Bayern knock Arsenal out of the Champions League in mid-weekCredit: PACity lost key men Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez last summer, while they also decided to let Cole Palmer leave to join Chelsea.New recruit Matheus Nunes has not made an impact since joining from Wolves, while Jeremy Doku still has a way to go.According to The Guardian, City will make a “big push” to sign Musiala this summer.They add that City’s interest is “advanced” and that the Bayern ace, 21, is becoming their top target.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMusiala left Chelsea’s academy aged 16 to join Bayern Munich in 2019.He has since gone on to become a key man in Bavaria, helping them to four Bundesliga titles and a Club World Cup.With Bayern having lost their crown to Bayer Leverkusen this term, Musiala may feel that now is the time to leave.The Germany international, who represented England at youth level, has two years remaining on his contract.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERShould he indicate that he would like to leave Bayern he is set to receive plenty of interest, with Chelsea also remaining keen on their former Cobham starlet.If Musiala proves to be unattainable, City have a pair of fall-back options ready, with Pep Guardiola desperate for new attacking reinforcements.Roy Keane says it was nice to see England get taste of own medicine after losing out of MusialaThey retain their previous interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, despite concerns over his injury history.While West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta is also still on their radar, although any move would hinge on the outcome of an FA investigation into alleged betting breaches by the midfielder, which he denies.Eberechi Eze has impressed for Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyLucas Paqueta remains on Man City’s radarCredit: Rex’This guy has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or’Pundit Rio Ferdinand has previously gushed over Musiala, calling him a “potential Ballon d’Or winner”.The TNT Sports star said: “He’s a fabulous footballer. In a world where we talk about stats and data, he ticks that box, but it’s on the eye test where he comes alive; the way he receives the ball, he’s elusive, he rides a tackle and gets through traffic with HD.”He’s a fantastic footballer. I think the highest compliment I can give him is that I don’t know where his ceiling is.”Most players even at 20/22 years old, you go ‘I think they are going to get to this level and that’s them.'”This guy has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve said it before, he has the potential to do that if the path goes the right way for him and he’s in a successful team. That’s the platform and foundation for that.” More

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    Germany World Cup winner sticks the boot into Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool and Co with brutal seven-word tweet

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND star Mats Hummels took a brutal swipe at Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham after their European eliminations.Aston Villa are now the only Prem club left in Europe after beating Lille 4-3 on penalties to punch their ticket to the Europa Conference League semi-finals where they will face Olympiacos.Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels trolled Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and West HamCredit: GettyMan City were eliminated from the Champions League after losing to Real MadridCredit: GettyArsenal were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern MunichCredit: GettyCity surrendered their Champions League crown and failed in their bid to win their second consecutive Treble as they lost to Real Madrid 4-3 on penalties in their quarter-final clash at the Etihad.And Arsenal’s dreams of a first ever Champions League title went up in flames after a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.Liverpool’s hopes of a Treble in Jurgen Klopp’s last ever season as manager also faded away as they were eliminated from the Europa League quarter-finals by Atalanta, even though they beat them 1-0.And West Ham’s European campaign came to an end by Xabi Alonso’s newly-crowned German champions Bayer Leverkusen, who extended their undefeated streak with a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium.Read More on FootballHummels, 35, couldn’t help himself as he took to social media to poke fun at all the fallen English clubs.The centre-back issued a tongue-in-cheek post referencing the derogatory term “farmer’s league”, which has been used to describe inferior leagues.This term has also been used against competitive divisions, such as Ligue 1, and there were also occasions when it was addressed to the Bundesliga.Hummels tweeted: “Good harvesting this week my fellow farmers.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Germany international and 2014 World Cup winner is now gearing up for the Champions League semi-finals.The defender helped Dortmund eliminate Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals on Tuesday with a 4-2 victory at the Signal Iduna Park.Real Madrid fan says ‘silent’ Man City supporters ‘don’t deserve this team’ and it should be ‘given to Man Utd’Julian Brandt and Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen gave Edin Terzic’s side a comfortable lead early on.But an own goal by Hummels and a strike by Angel Correa levelled things up and put Atletico in the driver’s seat on aggregate.However, two quick goals from Niclas Fullkrug and Marcel Sabitzer turned the game on its head and capped off a stunning triumph for the Bundesliga giants.Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
    With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
    The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
    And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
    One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
    “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
    Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
    Read more on Tuchel’s genius here. More

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    William Saliba labelled ‘a disaster’ as former Arsenal captain compares star unfavourably to title rival

    WILLIAM SALIBA can be a “disaster”, claims former Arsenal captain William Gallas.The Gunners defender, 23, has played in every minute of his side’s Premier League campaign thus far.William Saliba has been an ever-present for Arsenal in the Premier League this seasonCredit: ReutersWilliam Gallas has had his say on the Arsenal aceCredit: GettyWhile he is a key man for Mikel Arteta, Saliba has not yet established himself as a nailed on starter for France.Chatting to Get French Football News, Gallas, who played for Arsenal between 2006 and 2010, compared Saliba unfavourably with two other Les Bleus defenders – including a Prem rival.Asked who he rates as his country’s best defenders, Gallas said: “France have so many talented young centre-backs.”It’s always the same question, though, and that is which one is going to be consistent? Which ones are going to be the starters?READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS”Unfortunately, it’s difficult for William Saliba to be in the starting XI because you have Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool and Dayot Upamecano from Bayern.”Sometimes Saliba can be magnificent, but sometimes he can be a disaster as he’s not consistent.”Gallas did then concede that the Arsenal ace would be a key man for most countries.He continued: “That’s why it’s a big problem for Didier Deschamps to know exactly who is going to be the number one, or the partnership at centre-back!Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”For every other country, Saliba would probably walk into the XI with ease, but with France, it’s different and that is very tough for him – especially as they have been so successful in recent years.”We have some great young centre-backs in the French team, that’s for sure.”Arsenal star William Saliba shows off collaboration with Crocs as bemused fans say ‘I can’t believe this is real’With Saliba an ever-present, Arsenal have conceded just 26 goals in 32 Premier League games so far this season – the lowest tally of any team.Konate, meanwhile, has struggled with fitness issues and has been limited to just 16 Prem starts for Liverpool this term, with a further five from the bench.Both have emerged in recent years for Deschamps, with Konate having earned 14 caps and Saliba 13.The Arsenal star was limited to just 27 minutes at the World Cup in Qatar, while Konate, 24, started three games and came on in the final. More

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    Arsenal set sights on world-class striker with eight players on transfer shortlist… ‘but four stars could leave’

    ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.Boss Mikel Arteta needs firepower, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres all on the radar.Mikel Arteta is set to be given a war chest again this summerCredit: GettyThe Gunners are also being linked with an array of other stars as the club prepare to unleash their war chest.Arsenal have spent big in the last two summer windows, bringing in the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber for a combined £204.5million last year.This summer, signing a striker is the priority with Gabriel Jesus being plagued by injuries since he arrived in North London.Kai Havertz has had to fill the role for much of the summer, with the German and Jesus combining for 18 goals between them.READ MORE ON ARSENALSunSport understands the Arsenal hierarchy recognise Arteta’s squad currently lacks an attacking focal point and clinical edge in the final third.Isak, Sesko and Gyokeres are of particular interest.The Gunners have sent scouts to watch RB Leipzig’s 6ft 4in Slovenian Sesko, 20, and Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish former Coventry star Gyokeres.Sesko has a £43m release clause, but he is also being tracked by both Manchester United and Chelsea, while Gyokeres would cost upwards of £80m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSesko has scored 13 goals in 37 appearances in Germany.Impressively, Gyokeres has bagged 36 goals and 16 assists in 44 games in all competitions after moving to Portugal from Championship Sky Blues in a £21m deal last July.’Nothing is authentic about this club’ – Arsenal fans brutally trolled for bizarre ‘Ford Fiesta’ chant in MunichIsak, 24, has hit 21 goals this season despite an injury-hit campaign.The Swede was scouted by Arsenal before his £60m Toon deal in 2022.Joshua Zikzee and Xavi Simons are also on the radar.Bologna’s Dutch wonder Zikzee is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe with the 6ft 4in 22-year-old forward valued at around £50m.Simons is a talent in the Bukayo Saka mould currently on loan at RB Leipzig from PSG, but would cost close to £80m to sign.Martin Zubimendi could prove an effective partner for Declan RiceAccording to The Mirror, Arteta also wants to sign players to provide competition for Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who have been overused this season.Wolves winger Pedro Neto is a long-term target while Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams is another option, they claim.Arsenal appear to have cooled their interest in Ivan Toney but another name on their wishlist is Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who could be an effective partner for Declan Rice.To help fund incoming Arsenal could let a number of stars leave according to The Mirror, including Eddie Nketiah who is priced at £30m and a target for Crystal Palace.READ MORE SUN STORIESReiss Nelson is also available with Aaron Ramsdale’s future uncertain, having been demoted to David Raya’s understudy.There is also interest being shown in youth product Emile Smith Rowe who has recently returned to first-team action.Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
    With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
    The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
    And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
    One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
    “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
    Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
    Read more on Tuchel’s genius here. More

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    Ian Maatsen ‘tells Chelsea he wants permanent transfer’ as bargain release clause in left-back’s contract emerges

    CHELSEA loaneee Ian Maatsen has told the club he wants to make a permanent move to Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.Maatsen, 22, was shipped out on loan to Dortmund in January and he has since become a regular under manager Edin Terzic with the club desperate to hold on to him.Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen has informed the club he wants to leaveCredit: GettyMaatsen wants to join Borussia Dortmund amid a successful loan stint from ChelseaCredit: GettyThe full-back helped BVB punch their ticket to the Champions League semi-finals with a goal during Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over Atletico Madrid. According to reports in Germany, the Netherlands international now wants to sign a permanent deal with the Bundesliga giants and has informed the Blues about it.However, Chelsea will command a release clause in the range of €35-40million (£30-£34m).Maatsen said after the Atletico match that he was determined to become a regular at Stamford Bridge before his loan move to Dortmund.Read More on ChelseaBut now the defender is “very comfortable” at the Signal Iduna Park and could help push a deal with Terzic’s side.Chelsea fans, though, pleaded with the club not to sell the Dutchman after his Champions League heroics amid a woeful season for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.Maatsen also stood out during his most recent loan stint at Burnley last season.The left-back helped the Clarets win the Championship and return to the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Chelsea academy graduate’s impressive performances also landed him a place in the Championship’s Team of the Season.Maatsen said earlier this week: “I always believed [I could] play for Chelsea but unfortunately for some reason it didn’t work out how it should’ve.BREAKING: Ian Maatsen signs for Borussia Dortmund”Now I’m here I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I can say I’m very proud of myself.”I kept believing in myself and came here to experience playing my game at the highest level, playing my game. Today I think I showed a very good performance. I’m very happy.”Maatsen feels ‘very comfortable’ during his loan stint at Dortmund More

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    Former Man Utd and Coventry star, 54, now a daytime TV presenter who invented new musical instrument

    FORMER Manchester United, England and Coventry striker Dion Dublin is the inventor of a new musical instrument.The now 54-year-old shot to stardom in the 1990s and 2000s due to his goalscoring exploits.Ex-Premier League striker Dion Dublin is now known for his TV workCredit: GettyHe won a league title with Manchester United during his playing careerCredit: GettyHe was prolific at CoventryCredit: GettyThe former striker was snapped up from Cambridge United by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 1992 and he collected a Premier League title winners’ medal there.But it was after joining Coventry City that he really started to find his rhythm as he scored 61 times in the top-flight for them and won the first of his four England caps.Dublin went on to enjoy similar success at Aston Villa after his 1998 transfer and would later play for Millwall, Leicester City and Celtic.The star then had two years at Norwich City before hanging up his boots in 2008 aged 39.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSince then he has arguably become an even bigger face than during his playing days after embarking on a career in the media.He stayed involved in the beautiful game by working as a football pundit for various broadcasters including Sky Sports and the BBC.Dublin was also a contestant on BBC’s Celebrity Master Chef in 2021 but is now best-known for his role as presenter on hit show Homes Under the Hammer, where he has starred since 2015.However, Dublin also has another huge passion – music.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe ex-England striker has also invented his own musical instrumentCredit: GettyHe’s handy in the kitchen, having starred on Master ChefCredit: BBCHe’s perhaps now best known for being a presenter on Homes Under The HammerCredit: BBCAnd the much-loved ace even created his own percussion instrument, and after years of perfecting his design, he finally unveiled  The Dube for fellow musicians to buy.On its official website, its description says: “The Dube is a unique percussion instrument, created by Dion Dublin.Dion Dublin reveals a hidden surprise at a terraced house in Stoke on Trent on Homes Under the Hammer“A stylish cube percussion instrument which comes in four sizes and can be totally customised in colour schemes and tones.“It’s ideal for musicians, in schools, even DJ sets, the list is endless.“World renowned musicians and drummers including Courtney Pine & Thomas Lang to name but two have trialled and used the Dube and recommended it.”The price to buy it ranges from £117 to £320 depending on the size and each model also has a different unique sound.While telling Vice about how he came up with the idea, Dublin said: “It’s a little bit strange. I didn’t know this before but I’ve always been a percussionist, tapping what I can tap, making rhythms, making music.“One day I decided to go to a hardware store – I picked up six pieces of wood, a hammer and nails, and built a box.“It probably sounded useless at the time but it’s taken me to where I am today, and it’s been well received from drummers and percussionists like Josh Devine from One Direction and Robbie Williams’ drummer.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I think percussion’s just been lying dormant in me for some time, and my musical aspirations have been unlocked now I have the time.“I’m passionate about getting  The Dube out there. Once it’s just kicked that door down,  The Dube will take off, and I won’t stop, I’ll keep pursuing it. I know there’s a market for it.”DION DUBLINHere’s how his football career panned out…
    League apps:
    615
    League goals:
    183
    England caps:
    4
    Clubs:
    Cambridge United, Barnet, Wycombe, Man Utd, Coventry, Aston Villa, Millwall, Leicester, Celtic, Norwich
    Honours:
    Premier League title (1993), Charity Shield (1994), Third Division title (1991), Intertoto Cup (2001), Scottish Premiership title (2006), Scottish League Cup (2006) More