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      Cole Palmer not earning a penny in goal bonuses despite Chelsea star joining two exclusive clubs with four-goal haul

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      SCORING sensation Cole Palmer is NOT getting a penny extra in goal bonuses.Chelsea’s £42.5million summer signing has hit 20 Premier League goals this season and is level with former Manchester City team-mate Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot.Cole Palmer scored four times against Everton on Monday nightCredit: GettyYet playmaker Palmer, 21, was not bothered about insisting on a goal bonus when signing his £80,000-a-week, seven-year Blues deal last September.And he will be kicking himself now as his goalscoring prowess saw him move into two exclusive Premier League clubs on Monday night.The England international scored FOUR times against Everton in a comprehensive 6-0 win.It was the 40th time a player has scored four times in a Premier League game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is also the first four-goal tally since Kevin de Bruyne managed the feat against Wolves in May 2022.And that is not the only elite group Palmer joined on a special night at Stamford Bridge.That is because his first-half hat-trick was a perfect one – a left-footed strike, a header and a right-footed lob to round things off.It makes him the 36th player to bag a perfect hat-trick in the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFour-goal hauls in Premier LeagueHere is a list of all the four-goal hauls in Premier League history:

      Cole Palmer vs Everton – April 15, 2024
      Kevin De Bruyne vs Wolves – May 11, 2022
      Gabriel Jesus vs Watford – April 23, 2022
      Son Heung-min vs Southampton – September 20, 2020
      Michail Antonio vs Norwich – July 11, 2020
      Mo Salah vs Watford – March 17, 2018
      Sergio Aguero vs Leicester – February 10, 2018
      Harry Kane vs Leicester – May 18, 2017
      Romelu Lukaku vs Bournemouth – February 4, 2017
      Georginio Wijnaldum vs Norwich – October 18, 2015
      Sergio Aguero vs Newcastle – October 3, 2015 (five goals)
      Sergio Aguero vs Tottenham – October 18, 2014
      Luis Suarez vs Norwich – December 4, 2013
      Yakubu vs Blackburn – December 3, 2011
      Edin Dzeko vs Tottenham – August 28, 2011
      Louis Saha vs Blackpool – February 5, 2011
      Dimitar Berbatov vs Blackburn – November 27, 2010 (five goals)
      Frank Lampard vs Aston Villa – March 27, 2010
      Wayne Rooney vs Hull – January 23, 2010
      Jermain Defoe vs Wigan – November 22, 2009 (five goals)
      Robbie Keane vs Burnley – September 26, 2009
      Andrey Arshavin vs Liverpool – April 21, 2009
      Frank Lampard vs Derby – March 12, 2008
      Dimitar Berbatov vs Reading – December 29, 2007
      Yakubu vs Middlesbrough – May 15, 2004
      Thierry Henry vs Leeds – April 16, 2004
      Michael Owen vs West Brom – April 26, 2003
      Mark Viduka vs Liverpool – November 4, 2000
      Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink vs Coventry – October 21, 2000
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer vs Everton – December 4, 1999
      Alan Shearer vs Sheffield Wednesday – September 19, 1999 (five goals)
      Andy Cole vs Newcastle – August 30, 1999
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer vs Nottingham Forest – February 6, 1999
      Michael Owen vs Nottingham Forest – October 24, 1998
      Jurgen Klinsmann vs Wimbledon – May 2, 1998
      Gianluca Vialli vs Barnsley – August 24, 1997
      Robbie Fowler vs Middlesbrough – December 14, 1996
      Robbie Fowler vs Bolton – September 23, 1995
      Andy Cole vs Ipswich – March 4, 1995 (five goals)
      Efan Ekoku vs Everton – September 25, 1993

      Erling Haaland had scored the most recent perfect hat-trick when he netted against Nottingham Forest last seasonCredit: GettyAndy Cole scored the Premier League’s first five-goal haul and a perfect hat-trick for Manchester United against Ipswich in 1995Credit: PA:Empics SportThe most recent of those before Palmer’s was Haaland’s against Nottingham Forest in August 2022.Yet despite a memorable evening for Palmer, it was still somewhat marred by an incident around his penalty.Conor Gallagher forced to intervene as Chelsea stars locked in furious row – days after same argument in Man Utd clashThierry Henry bagged a perfect hat-trick against West Ham in 2003Credit: GettyPeter Crouch scored a perfect hat-trick for Liverpool against Arsenal in 2007Credit: PA:Press AssociationChelsea team-mates Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson both tried to take the spot kick off regular taker Palmer, before captain Conor Gallagher pushed them away.And manager Mauricio Pochettino did not mince his words after the game as he addressed the situation.He said: “It’s a shame. I told the players [in the dressing room] we can’t behave in this way. I told them this is the last time I will accept this type of behaviour.”They’re all involved in this situation, next time they’re all out. This is not a joke.”It’s impossible after a performance like this to see this type of behaviour.”If we want to be a great team, fighting for big things, we need to change and think more in a collective way.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I made clear to them, and now through the media, and I say to our fans and to everyone, Cole Palmer is the penalty taker. And it’s now his choice if he wants to give the ball to another player but not in this way.”It’s very sad and I don’t want it to happen again. We behaved like kids.”Perfect hat-tricks in the Premier LeagueHere is a list of all the perfect hat-tricks in the Premier League:

      Mark Robins – Norwich City vs Oldham Athletic (1992)
      Efan Ekoku – Norwich City vs Everton (1993)
      Robbie Fowler – Liverpool vs Southampton (1993), Arsenal (1995), Southampton (1999)
      Matt Le Tissier – Southampton vs Norwich City (1994)
      Chris Sutton – Blackburn Rovers vs Coventry City (1994)
      Tommy Johnson – Aston Villa vs Wimbledon (1995)
      Andy Cole – Manchester United vs Ipswich Town (1995)
      Gianluca Vialli – Chelsea vs Barnsley (1997)
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – Manchester United vs Everton (1999)
      Emile Heskey – Liverpool vs Derby County (2000)
      Les Ferdinand – Tottenham Hotspur vs Leicester City (2000)
      Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur (2002)
      Thierry Henry – Arsenal vs West Ham United (2003)
      Peter Crouch – Liverpool vs Arsenal (2007)
      Yakubu – Everton vs Fulham (2007), Swansea City (2011)
      Mikael Forssell – Birmingham City vs Tottenham Hotspur (2008)
      Gabriel Agbonlahor – Aston Villa vs Manchester City (2008)
      Emmanuel Adebayor – Arsenal vs Blackburn Rovers (2008)
      Salomon Kalou – Chelsea vs Stoke City (2010)
      Didier Drogba – Chelsea vs Wigan Athletic (2010)
      Louis Saha – Everton vs Blackpool (2011)
      Edin Dzeko – Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur (2011)
      Demba Ba – Newcastle United vs Stoke City (2011)
      Pavel Pogrebnyak – Fulham vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (2012)
      Jordi Gomez – Wigan Athletic vs Reading (2012)
      Kevin Nolan – West Ham United vs Reading (2013)
      Romelu Lukaku – West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester United (2013)
      Jonathan Walters – Stoke City vs Queens Park Rangers (2015)
      Steven Naismith – Everton vs Chelsea (2015)
      Riyad Mahrez – Leicester City vs Swansea City (2015)
      Sergio Aguero – Manchester City vs Newcastle United (2015), (2018)
      Christian Pulisic – Chelsea vs Burnley (2019)
      Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa vs Liverpool (2020)
      Raheem Sterling – Manchester City vs Norwich City (2022)
      Erling Haaland – Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest (2022) More

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      Arsenal warned Bayern Munich boast little-known English secret weapon who was non-league star and won Champions League

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      HARRY KANE and Eric Dier will not be the only Englishmen gunning for Arsenal on Wednesday.Anthony Barry, who started his coaching career at Wigan, is Bayern Munich’s assistant manager and one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe.Bayern Munich assistant manager Anthony Barry could cause major issues to ArsenalCredit: GettyThe ex-Accrington, Yeovil and Fleetwood midfielder was brought to Germany from Chelsea by Bayern chief Thomas Tuchel, with the pair having worked together at Stamford BridgeAnd if Bayern score from a corner or a free-kick against Mikel Arteta’s side, that will be down to Barry who is in charge of the team’s set-pieces.Barry will leave the German club with Tuchel at the end of the season and the offers have already come in.He has just turned down a second approach from Ireland to replace boss Stephen Kenny,  who was sacked in November.Read More on FootballBut Barry, who combined his role at Chelsea as a part-time coach for the Irish, will be assisting Roberto Martinez with Portugal at Euro 2024.Barry, who also worked for Martinez with Belgium at the 2022 World Cup, wants to be a manager in his own right so is waiting for the right offer for next season.However, he is not the only Englishman currently coaching in the Bundesliga.Craig Fleming, assistant coach at Southampton for four years under Ralph Hasenhuttl, has linked up with the Austrian to become Wolfsburg’s No 2.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTicket disparityLIVERPOOL have been given just 750 tickets for Thursday’s Europa League tie with Atalanta.To enter the ballot, Reds fans had to have bought tickets for 22 of the previous 24 European away games over the last five seasons.Huge Arsenal concerns as two key stars facing late fitness test before Champions League second leg with BayernThat is some loyalty, whatever team you support.Meanwhile, Arsenal will have just under 3,800 supporters against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday — and they have all paid a relatively affordable £42.80 a ticket.To watch the first leg at the Emirates, supporters had to fork out between £70 and £103.If you needed proof of the disparity between English and German ticket prices, here it is.Broadcaster outsmartedA WELL-KNOWN broadcaster did not see the funny side after a telling off in the posh seats at Chelsea.In an exclusive area behind the home dugout at Stamford Bridge, he caused a bit of a stir by shouting at the home bench during a game.The television and radio presenter was told to calm down by security and during the heated exchange, he trotted out the infamous line: “Do you know who I am?”The unimpressed official pretended to switch on his lapel microphone and shouted: “Can I have the welfare department? There is a Chelsea fan who doesn’t know who he is.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFlying highTOTTENHAM fans were left frustrated by the cost of the £150 train to get to Newcastle for Saturday’s Premier League game.So a few Hertfordshire-based supporters found it cheaper to get a bus to Stansted Airport and take a Ryanair flight to Edinburgh (£70 return) before getting a train from Scotland to Newcastle (£40 return).This one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, this one will have stung the most.
      This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
      Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
      Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
      And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
      And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
      Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
      Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

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      Alejandro Garnacho avoids Jadon Sancho-style exile as Man Utd star seen in training after being disciplined by Ten Hag

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO escaped a Jadon Sancho-like exile at Manchester United after “liking” social media posts blasting boss Erik ten Hag as he returned to training on Tuesday.The Argentina winger was subbed off at half-time in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, with Ten Hag saying he struggled on the right flank.Alejandro Garnacho was back in Manchester United training on TuesdayCredit: GettyIt comes after the Argentine liked social media posts criticising manager Erik ten HagCredit: GettyIt remains to be seen whether Garnacho will feature in their FA Cup semi-final against Coventry on SundayCredit: GettyGarnacho, 19, added likes to two posts on X from Mark Goldbridge — presenter of fan channel The United Stand — hitting out at Ten Hag for “throwing him under the bus”.He quickly removed the “likes”, which helped him avoid punishment.And he was pictured back in training on Tuesday, with the club believing it was a completely different situation to the one involving Sancho.England winger Sancho, 24, posted his own attack on the manager and accused him of dishonesty.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTen Hag did not pick Sancho for the 3-1 loss at Arsenal in September over his training performances.But Sancho claimed that was “completely untrue” and that he was being made into a “scapegoat”.Ten Hag forced him to train away from the first team for months, shipping him off to Borussia Dortmund on loan in January.Yet Garnacho will not be made an outcast.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan 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.

      Goldbridge’s posts read: “Garnacho has been one of our best players this season. Poor first half but taking him off at half-time and holding him up as the problem is a joke.“Many have done much worse week in, week out and are still out there.Gary Neville ‘lost faith’ with ‘scrawny and erratic’ Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd before transformation into a ‘machine’Jadon Sancho was forced out to Borussia Dortmund on loan after a spat with Ten HagCredit: Alamy“Ten Hag subtly blaming Garnacho in the postmatch press conference — not a good look throwing a 19-year-old under the bus.”Garnacho came off for Amad Diallo at 2-1 down.Asked about the change, Ten Hag said: “We had to repair that right side.“We didn’t play well, the spaces were there.“Garnacho was not training during the week.”The United Stand has nearly two million followers and has been allowed into press conferences, games and summer tours.A guest of the channel tore into Ten Hag, saying: “You’re a fricking disgrace of a manager. I can’t f***ing wait ’til he’s out.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s a pathological liar and concussed manager.”United do not plan to stop the channel’s access as they do not want to “dignify the comments with a response”.Ten Hag is under pressure after a disappointing second season in chargeCredit: Getty More

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      Jude Bellingham explains why Real Madrid move was ‘no brainer’ despite holding transfer talks with European giants

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM says it was a “no brainer” for him to join Real Madrid over Wednesday’s opponents Manchester City.The treble winners were one of a host of clubs chasing the signature of the England star when it was clear he was leaving Borussia Dortmund last spring.Jude Bellingham insists joining Real Madrid was the best decisionCredit: GettyBellingham was approached by a raft of elite clubs, including Manchester CityCredit: GettyHe admitted he spoke with several teams – but could not resist the lure of the Spanish giants when they came calling.City became aware in May that the former Birmingham midfielder had set his heart on a switch to the Bernabeu rather than the Premier League.The £88.5million signing said: “I had conversations with other teams but when Madrid came in it was a no-brainer really.“The size of the club, the project, the plan going forward, the chance to play with such amazing players.Read More on Football“I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.”Now he hopes to show he made the right call by sending Pep Guardiola’s holders tumbling out of the Champions League at the Etihad.The quarter-final tie is finely poised at 3-3 after a thriller in Spain last week.He said: “I think everyone has spoken about them being favourites – they’re the treble winners and an amazing team.Most read in Football“I’m not a gambler – and I’ve never been to the bookies.“But that’s the impression from the outside. We are Real Madrid – we are pretty good and have some brilliant players.Vinicius Jr appears to ask Bellingham for Premier League star’s shirt as Real Madrid team-mates chat after England loss“Internally we are confident and we trust what we have in the dressing room.“These are the sort of games I joined for. I’m really excited and can’t wait to get out there and play.”Almost a year has passed and Bellingham says he has no regrets over his decision – hoping England will reap the benefits.He also hopes other young talents will follow his path and try their luck abroad.Bellingham said: “I was at Dortmund for three years and I took a path that is unfamiliar but I feel grateful every time I go into training.“It’s a good idea for young players to go abroad and hopefully I’m showing that.“You learn a lot and hopefully I take that with me into the national team.”Bellingham made an explosive start to life in Spain and while the goals have dried up he hopes there are still more to come.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I didn’t expect to score this many goals. People were asking me when I joined and I just wanted one – but I’m up to 20 now.“Hopefully I can get more before the end of the season.”Real Madrid star Bellingham will look to end Man City’s Treble hopes More

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      Wayne Rooney ‘courted’ for new job as Man Utd legend nears four months unemployed

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      WAYNE ROONEY is tipped to become a key Euro 2024 pundit for the BBC.It follows main presenter Gary Lineker accepting his fellow England legend’s apology for missing his Match of the Day debut last Saturday.Wayne Rooney was ‘gutted’ to miss MOTD but could get a Beeb reprieveCredit: ReutersEx-Manchester United striker Rooney was sacked just 15 games into his last job in January, a nightmare spell in charge of Birmingham City.That plunged his managerial career into doubt as it came straight after a mediocre 15-month reign at MLS side DC United.The 120-cap former Three Lions skipper, 38, says he has dreamed of working on MOTD “since I was little”.So he was “gutted” when a “painful back injury” on a family holiday stopped him making his debut on the iconic weekend football show of action and opinion.READ MORE TOP STORIESMOTD host Lineker took Rooney’s explanation well – one big reason why the door is expected to open again soon for the ex-Derby chief at the Beeb.It’s understood the broadcaster believe the Evertonian’s playing pedigree, especially his ups and downs at major international tournaments, would give their Euros coverage extra credibility with viewers.Rooney has also already shown he is prepared to give frank views – including recent comments on Red Devils’ frontman Marcus Rashford.The academy product, 26, has hit out at criticism of his performances and insisted he is as committed to his hometown club as ever.Most read in FootballBut Rooney told Premier League productions: “You wonder, is his best option to move away from the club and have a fresh start? But he is a Manchester lad.”He has had a very difficult season. We all know he has got the ability and got all the attributes to be a top world-class player.Man Utd icon Wayne Rooney calls Twitch streamer AngryGinge a ‘ginger c’ during EA Sports FC live stream”That’s the frustrating thing. Last season, he went and scored a lot of goals. But this season, he hasn’t kicked on.”He doesn’t look happy when he is playing.”However, Rooney did add: “I would love to see him get his career back on track at the club, go on to score goals and try to help the club win trophies. But he certainly has had a difficult season.” More

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      Roberto Firmino puts £4.5m mansion up for sale including crazy garage & pool that Liverpool team-mate baptised him in

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      ROBERTO FIRMINO has put his £4.5million Liverpool mansion up for sale — almost a year after quitting the club for a move to Saudi Arabia.Firmino, 32, joined Al-Ahli on a free transfer last summer after eight glorious seasons at Anfield.Roberto Firmino has put his Liverpool mansion up for sale at £4.5millionCredit: RIGHTMOVEThe striker swapped Merseyside for Saudi Arabia last summerCredit: ReutersThe swanky pad boasts an incredible underground garage with a turntableCredit: RIGHTMOVEFirmino was also baptised in his swimming pool by former team-mate AlissonCredit: INSTAGRAMThe Brazilian joined in 2015 from Hoffenheim for £29million, going on to score 111 goals in 362 games.Firmino was a key part of Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp as he won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.But the striker, wo has six golasin 27 games in the Middle East, has now finally cut ties with Anfield after putting his Merseyside mansion up for sale.The six-bedroom detached house has gone on the market for £4.5m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt boasts seven bathrooms and even has a detached lodge for guests.Swanky features include a huge kitchen, a laundry room, a massage room and a home cinema.But that’s not all, as the property’s overall square footage is in excess of 10,000 square feet.There’s an underground garage for the latest sports cars, with up to eight able to fit inside.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIncredibly, the garage features a TURNTABLE, allowing easy access to each vehicle in a compact space.Firmino’s property also boasts a huge swimming pool, which the ace made plenty of use of during his time at Liverpool.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseThe pool holds plenty of fond memories for FirminoCredit: RIGHTMOVEIn 2020 he was baptised in his homeCredit: INSTAGRAMAlisson and ex-Reds teammate Fabinho were both at the ceremonyCredit: INSTAGRAMFirmino’s pad includes a detached area for guestsCredit: RIGHTMOVEThere is a home cinema to enjoy a film inCredit: RIGHTMOVEIn 2020, he was baptised in it by none other than ex-team-mate Alisson.Friends and family gathered as Firmino was helped by his pal for the traditional Christian ritual.The emotional ceremony also saw mate Fabinho, now at Saudi side Al-Ittihad, join in too.Speaking at the time, Firmino said: “I gave you my failures and the victories I will give you too. My greatest title is your love Jesus!“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away; behold, new things have come! New time.”He added: “Jesus is love. [There is] no explanation. Just believe it. Just believe and feel the holy spirit.”The house is full of luxury itemsCredit: RIGHTMOVEThe massive kitchen includes a pantryCredit: RIGHTMOVEThe living room has a great view of the gardenCredit: RIGHTMOVEThere is another area to relax in the houseCredit: RIGHTMOVEThere are six bedrooms and seven bathroomsCredit: RIGHTMOVERoberto Firmino’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Figueirense, 2009-2010: 38 games, 8 goals

      Hoffenheim, 2010-2015: 153 games, 49 goals

      Liverpool, 2015-2023: 362 games, 111 goals

      Al-Ahli, 2023-2024: 27 games, 6 goals

      Brazil, 2014-2021: 55 games, 17 goals

      Trophies: Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Community Shield, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup (Liverpool); Copa America (Brazil) More

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      Harry Kane fires warning shot to Arsenal as Bayern Munich star reveals ‘burning desire’ ahead of Champions League clash

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      A LOT will be resting on the broad shoulders of Harry Kane at the Allianz Arena.Bayern Munich’s miserable season to date is on the brink of free-falling should they crash out of the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday – their last stab at a trophy.Harry Kane has fired a warning shot to Arsenal ahead of the second leg of the quarter-finalsCredit: GettyThe Champions League is Bayern Munich’s last chance at winning a trophy this seasonCredit: ReutersAhead of his summer departure, boss Thomas Tuchel’s legacy at the German giants is in danger of fizzling out should a memorable run to a seventh European title at Wembley on June 1 fail to materialise.Arsenal fans are gleefully waiting to stick the knife deeper into Kane should the Gunners prevail in the last eight at the expense of the former Tottenham star.And then there is the continued, unwanted narrative of having never lifted a trophy, something Kane just cannot seem to shift regardless of which club he plays for.For most players, that expectation, and pressure, would be overwhelming, but not Kane.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “For sure (it is unfinished business), whenever you reach the final of a competition and don’t quite get over the line there’s always that burning fire inside you to get back there and go that one step further.”If anything, the fire inside the 30-year-old burns brighter with each demand that is placed upon him. The more unrealistic the better.In truth, he has nothing left to prove. He is Spurs and England’s all-time record goal scorer and currently has 39 goals in 39 games in all competitions this term since his £104m switch to Bayern last summer.But ahead of a mouthwatering second leg against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, after a first leg 2-2 draw at the Emirates in which he scored a penalty, Kane said: “I’m the type of player who, throughout my career, has had points to prove along the way.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“I don’t think that ever leaves you, it’ll always be in my DNA until I retire.”There will always be a reason to prove someone wrong or to prove to myself I can do something.”Arsenal fans trolled over ‘terrifying hostility’ as video of Harry Kane and Eric Dier arriving at Emirates emerges That desire stemmed from the moment he was axed from Arsenal’s academy as a nine-year-old, something that he previously used to galvanise him when coming face to face with them in a North London derby during his Tottenham days. Not anymore.Kane continued: “‘I know there will be a lot of Spurs fans watching, hoping that Bayern go through, but I can’t focus on that.“All I can do is try and beat the team in front of us, and that’s Arsenal. It was one of the biggest games of the season for pretty much my whole career.“It was always a big occasion, big moment. Maybe it was in the back of the mind, being released from a young age, and there’s always a point to prove.“But for me here, it’s a different chapter, a different moment. I don’t think specifically back to it now.”Kane has far more important things on his plate, like single-handedly dragging Bayern through one of its worst periods for over a decade.The Bundesliga title has been surrendered for the first time since 2012, with Bayer Leverkusen now champions with five games to spare, while there was also an embarrassing German Cup exit to third-tier opposition.In less than 12 months, through all of the misery, Kane has become Bayern’s shining light. The English poster boy at the heart of German football. He brings calm and consistency amid a raging, destructive storm.Kane said: “Where I’m at in my career, at the stage I’m at, people expect a different level from me in every game that I play and that comes with goals and assists.“But also, an all-round performance using my leadership and experience that I’ve had throughout my career to help the team.“I always expect a lot from myself, I always scrutinise myself more than anyone else could and hopefully I can put in a good performance. I’ll be ready for anything that might come.”Kane is in uncharted territory right now. Finishing second in the league and reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League would be regarded as a successful season at Spurs.This one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, this one will have stung the most.
      This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
      Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
      Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
      And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
      And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
      Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
      Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here.

      But Kane knows that mindset is no good at Bayern. Instead, it’s a full-blown crisis.He explained: “From the club’s point of view it will be a failed season if we don’t win anything this year. We’re expected to win.“We know we have not reached the standards that we need to as a team. We can keep the season alive and keep some hope amongst the fans, hope that we can achieve something special even though it has not been the greatest of seasons.“But there’s a process into winning, a process into the individual and the team.“You want to improve as a player every year, you want to get better, you want to show the world your capabilities and you want to push yourself to the very limits.”All you can do is take that into next year and try to turn that around.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThat process will be put on hold for now. Briefly in its place is a winning-at-all-costs mantra in what could be one of many last-chance saloon shoot-outs on this Champions League journey for Bayern.Kane will stand firm and do what he always does, and hope that is enough to down the old enemy of his youth. More

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      Man Utd set to offer Kobbie Mainoo lucrative new deal with Ineos desperate for wonderkid to be face of new project

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to offer Kobbie Mainoo a lucrative new deal with small stake owners Ineos desperate to keep the youngster.The 18-year-old wonderkid has become a key man in Erik ten Hag’s squad this season.Manchester United are set to offer Kobbie Mainoo a lucrative new dealCredit: GettySmall stake owners see the wonderkid as ‘one of the faces’ of their new project at the clubCredit: RexThe Red Devils according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano want Mainoo to receive a “salary increase” as they line him up as “one of the faces” of the new project under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team.Romano tweeted: “Understand Manchester United are now pushing in talks to extend Kobbie Mainoo’s contract by this summer after initial discussions in February. “INEOS want Kobbie to be one of the faces of the new project. New deal would see salary increase for Mainoo + several add-ons.”The winger reportedly earns £20,000 per week, with that number set to triple once he signs a new deal at Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMainoo has made 27 appearances for United this season in all competitions and has scored three goals and made two assists.And he even earned his first England call-up this season during the recent international break to play against Brazil and Belgium.Ineos has already demonstrated their support for Erik ten Hag’s efforts to develop young players at United, aligning with the club’s long-standing ethos of promoting youth talent.This now looks set to continue with Mainoo, who has been with the club since the age of nine.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMainoo is just one of the talented youngsters coming through the ranks at United. Others include Alejandro Garnacho, who is now a first-team regular, as well as young defender Willy Kambwala who made his debut for the Red Devils recently. Paul Scholes fumes at Man Utd stars Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho in now-deleted post over ‘standards’ These players will serve as inspiration for players who are currently progressing through United’s academy such as 17-year-old Shea Lacey who signed his first professional contract with the club on Monday. More