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      Chelsea hand trial to Nigerian wonderkid who scored TEN goals in six matches in Italian youth tournament

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      CHELSEA have given a trial to 18-year-old Nigerian wonderkid Hafiz Umar Ibrahim.The striker met up with Mauricio Pochettino and the Chelsea squad at Cobham earlier this week.Nigerian wonderkid Hafiz Umar Ibrahim is currently on trial at ChelseaAfter undergoing strength and conditioning exercises in the gym, Ibrahim trained with the first team on Thursday.He is set to remain with the squad on trial over the next few weeks.Before being invited to London, Ibrahim was on the verge of joining Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt.While he was waiting for his flight to Norway the teenager was notified that Chelsea had expressed an interest in him, but he initially didn’t believe it.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAs he boarded the plane he then received a video call from Joe Shields, Chelsea’s co-director of recruitment and talent, and Raheem Sterling.Ibrahim travelled to Bodo and trained with the squad, but quickly decided to take his chance in West London.Before flying to England, the striker scored 10 goals in six games at the Viareggio Cup, a youth tournament that took place in Italy.Should he sign for Chelsea, Ibrahim is expected to join partner club Strasbourg on loan in France.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, if he isn’t handed a contract, clubs in Spain and Italy will be ready to swoop.The striker currently plays for Ojodu City in Nigeria.Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino? More

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      I played 152 games with Mikel Arteta – but the manager he has become at Arsenal is not my friend

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      MIKEL ARTETA’S former Everton team-mate Tim Howard has opened up about his friendship with the Arsenal manager.The ex-Toffees goalkeeper revealed the man Arteta has become at the Gunners is “not my friend”.Tim Howard has opened up about his friendship with Mikel ArtetaCredit: Getty Images – GettyHoward played 152 games alongside the Arsenal managerCredit: GettyHoward, now 45, played 152 games alongside Arteta at Everton from 2007-2011.Now working as a reporter, the American revealed whenever he interviews the Gunners boss he is unrecognisable to how he was back in his playing days.Writing for the Daily Mail, he said: “I have interviewed him a few times as a manager and every time, before the cameras start rolling, it has just been like the old days.”He calls me Timmy, there’s a lot of smiling and giggling. It’s all very casual. It’s the Mikel I shared a dressing room with.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”But then the interview starts, he goes into game-mode and he has to be the person that he wants to portray. “That’s not my friend. That’s Mikel the manager. He has changed.”Arteta spent six years at Everton, with his first season spent on loan, before signing a deal worth £2million to play under David Moyes.And it was at Goodison Park that the Spaniard grew into a pivotal and influential player, winning Everton Player of the Season twice.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe was also voted the Premier League’s ‘Midfielder of the Year’ by the viewers of Sky Sports, beating PFA Players’ Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo to the award.Howard revealed that Arteta had a huge influence in the dressing room and even called him Moyes’ “Crown Jewels”.The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIHe continued: “In fact, Moyes made sure that he heaped a ton of responsibility on Mikel – to lead the team and direct us tactically. “He wanted the responsibility and he was able to shoulder it. He was Moyes’ midfield general, his tactician, his little technical genius. “The gaffer loved him. He could do no wrong in Moyes’ eyes.”In 2011, Arteta headed south to Arsenal for £10m and spent five years there before he hung up his boots for good.Then, in 2019, he returned to Arsenal as head coach and won the FA Cup in his first year – with the Gunners now fighting to win the Premier League title this season.Arteta has made Arsenal his own in the last five years according to Howard, who no longer recognises his old pal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “Mikel is different now. He has changed… but I think in a very good way. “As a manager, you have to figure out what your voice is going to be and how you want to project yourself.”Howard referred to Arteta as David Moyes ‘Crown Jewels’Credit: Getty More

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      How Man Utd could line up under Zinedine Zidane with Jude Bellingham making shock transfer from Real Madrid

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could line up with one of the most exciting teams in Europe if Zinedine Zidane becomes their next manager.The Frenchman has been out of work since 2021 after a second spell with his beloved Real Madrid.Zinedine Zidane has been tipped to take charge at Man Utd this summerCredit: AFPZidane is a huge admirer of Jude Bellingham… and the feeling is mutualCredit: GettyBut he has now been tipped to replace Erik ten Hag at United by former team-mate Julio Baptista.The Brazil icon and former Arsenal loanee told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “I think Zidane will be a Premier League manager someday.“He is an incredible coach with amazing experience having won the Champions League, so I can see that happening.“I can see him going to Manchester United.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDShould Zidane make the stunning switch to Old Trafford, he could target several players to reinvigorate United’s squad.Real Madrid and England superstar Jude Bellingham would likely be top of his list in one of the most incredible transfers in history.The midfielder only moved to Spain for an initial £88.5million from Borussia Dortmund last summer.Bellingham has been nothing short of superb with 20 goals and nine assists in 31 outings.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut the Birmingham legend has made no secret of his admiration for Zidane.And the feeling is mutual, with Zizou saying this week: “Jude Bellingham is spectacular, we are lucky to have him in the Real Madrid. He is very good and I hope he brings many trophies.”Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowShould a mind-blowing deal ever go through, it would likely see Bellingham join new England team-mate Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, with captain Bruno Fernandes completing the triumvirate.Another Real player strongly linked with United is Rodrygo, who is more than capable of finally fixing the side’s problem area on the right wing.And alongside Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, the Red Devils would finally have an attack ready to challenge for the title.As for defence, Andre Onana is unlikely to be on the move any time soon.Indeed, he has the same profile as Zidane’s former Real goalie Keylor Navas, which bodes well for his ball-playing instincts.Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw are unlikely to be muscled out of the backline anytime soon.But it could mean a reprieve for Raphael Varane, who is another player with strong links to Zidane.He still has a year left on his United contract and could fancy a last dance alongside his fellow Frenchman.Varane could be joined by a new centre-back though, with Juventus’ Gleison Bremer long linked with a switch.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis physicality and technical skills would make him an ideal presence in Zidane’s defence.But it would also leave the likes of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans sweating over their futures.Zinedine Zidane’s managerial careerThose brilliant numbers in full…

      Real Madrid Castilla, 2014-2016: P57 W26 D17 L14 GD+30

      Real Madrid, 2016-2018: P149 W105 D28 L16 GD+235

      Real Madrid, 2019-2021: P114 W69 D25 L20 GD+103

      Trophies: LaLiga x2, Spanish Super Cup x2, Champions League x3, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup x2 (Real Madrid) More

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      England handed major boost for Euro 2024 with Man Utd star set to return from injury before end of season

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has been given a huge Euros boost with Luke Shaw expected to be back playing before the end of the season.It was feared the Manchester United left-back would not have recovered from his hamstring problem in time for this summer’s finals.Luke Shaw is expected to return before the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyGareth Southgate has some injury concerns to consider before Euro 2024Credit: GettyHe has been out of action since suffering the injury two months ago and Three Lions boss Southgate admitted this week that it was “highly unlikely” that he could rely on him.Shaw has missed 14 club games so far and, as shown in England’s friendlies with Brazil and Belgium, his absence in Germany would have been a major worry.But Old Trafford manager Erik ten Hag has revealed the 28-year-old WILL be back in action sooner rather than later.Shaw is still not ready for a return yet but is making fast progress with Ten Hag confirming: “Yes, I expect him back before the end of the season.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“He is still on schedule and will return to our team.”Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell would have been the only recognised top-level left-back available to Southgate for the tournament that could be the manager’s last, with his name now linked as a potential successor to Ten Hag.But he failed to impress in either of those Wembley clashes and the position threatened to be a major problem area.Now Ten Hag is convinced that Shaw will not only have come back from the latest in a long series of injuries but will be match-fit for the country that needs him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Three Lions kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on June 16.They also face Denmark and Slovenia in the group stages.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer window More

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      Paolo Maldini and former Newcastle star on shortlist to replace Dan Ashworth as Toon’s next sporting director

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      AC MILAN legend Paolo Maldini and former Newcastle ace Hugo Viana are among the candidates to replace outgoing sporting director Dan Ashworth at St James’ Park.Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave as the Magpies and Manchester United continue to negotiate a complicated deal that could see him moving to Old Trafford this summer.Paolo Maldini is among Newcastle’s candidates to replace sporting director Dan AshworthCredit: GettyAshworth appears set to move to Manchester United this summerCredit: PAThe 53-year-old’s contract runs out in 2026 and United are trying to thrash out a compensation deal with the Toon who have demanded double the £10million offered.According to inews, however, the Tyneside giants are preparing for the ex-Brighton chief’s exit by drawing up a shortlist of potential candidates.Among them are Maldini, 55, and Viana, 41, who worked wonders at Milan and Sporting Lisbon respectively.The Rossoneri’s legendary captain, who amassed a staggering 901 appearances at the San Siro where he also won seven Serie A titles and five Champions League trophies during his 25-year stint, worked as technical director for his beloved club after retiring in 2009.Read More on FootballThe Italian great was a major catalyst behind Milan’s young squad winning the Scudetto in 2022 and making it to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.The renowned defender has been out of work since June last year following reports of a falling out with club owners over the direction of the team.Viana has also experienced tremendous success at Sporting during his six-year stint as director of football.The former playmaker, who registered four goals and nine assists in 61 appearances during his four-year stint at Newcastle until his departure in 2006, was crucial in the Portuguese giants’ title triumph in 2021 – their first in 19 years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, Paul Mitchell, who earned plaudits for his marvellous work at Southampton and Tottenham, is the Premier League giants’ first choice.Benfica’s Rui Pedro and ex-Roma chief Tiago Pinto complete Newcastle’s shortlist.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry reveals the player who scared him – and he played against him just onceThe new sporting director is expected to work alongside manager Eddie Howe despite this season’s struggles as the 46-year-old tactician is still highly rated by the club’s hierarchy. More

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      I’m a former Man Utd star who won Premier League title and Championship promotion in SAME SEASON in unique feat

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      A FORMER Belgium international once celebrated Premier League title success and Championship promotion in the very SAME SEASON.This 35-year-old came through the ranks at Royal Antwerp before Stoke snapped him up in 2007.Ritchie De Laet got a Premier League title medal during his time at Leicester CityCredit: PA:Empics SportHe was signed for Man Utd by Sir Alex FergusonCredit: PA:Empics SportHe failed to make a league appearance for the Potters but, after a loan at Wrexham, Manchester United swooped to sign him in 2009.He went on to play three times in the Premier League under Sir Alex Ferguson but spent the majority of his three years at Old Trafford out on loan.He had spells with Sheffield United, Preston, Portsmouth and Norwich before leaving permanently for Leicester in 2012.It was at the Foxes where he enjoyed most action in England, playing over 100 times for them and helping them to win the Championship in 2014.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, it was two years later that he enjoyed double joy.Having made a number of appearances, largely from the bench, during the first half of the 2015/16 season, this ace headed out on loan to Middlesbrough for the second part of the campaign.And while his team-mates back at Leicester defied 5,000/1 odds to lift their first-ever league title, he was also celebrating at the Riverside as they won promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.The player in question is, of course, Ritchie De Laet.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut just weeks after that double whammy, he was lining-up for a brand new club.That summer he signed for Aston Villa on a permanent basis, but things failed to work out for him there.Man Utd hero Lee Sharpe opened up about the most unforgettable hairdryer treatment he ever received from legendary manager Sir Alex FergusonHe only made eight league appearances and ended up being shipped out on loan back to his first club Royal Antwerp before heading to Australia with Melbourne City.However, he has enjoyed more success since then in his later years.De Laet, who was capped twice by Belgium, secured a permanent switch to Antwerp in 2019 and he is still part of their squad today.He toasted Belgian Pro League joy in 2022 and has also helped them to lift the Belgian Cup twice as well as the domestic Super Cup.And with both nations close to his heart, he will no doubt be tuning in to watch England’s friendly with Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday.He also celebrated promotion with Middlesbrough in 2016Credit: PA:Press AssociationThese days he is back in Belgium playing for Royal AntwerpCredit: AFP More

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      Eddie Howe begs FA not to slap ‘gambling addict’ Sandro Tonali with new ban after latest alleged betting breach

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      NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe pleaded with the FA not to throw the book at “gambling addict” Sandro Tonali.The £55million Italy midfielder risks a further ban after he was charged by the FA with 50 betting breaches earlier this season – including on Newcastle games.Sandro Tonali was charged by the FA on Thursday after allegedly breaching betting rules while at NewcastleCredit: GettyEddie Howe has urged the FA against giving the midfielder another banCredit: GettyTonali, 23, was slapped with a 10-month suspension by Italian authorities in October for illegal betting while at former club AC Milan, which keeps him out of action until late August 2024.His case will be heard by an independent commission after an FA probe alleges he continued gambling after last summer’s move to Tyneside.The Magpies hope any further ban will run concurrently to the one he is already serving given he provided them with evidence last autumn at the start of the investigation.And Howe urged the FA not to make “ill” Tonali suffer anymore.Read More in FootballThe St James’ Park boss said: “I certainly hope for Sandro that there are no further consequences.“His illness didn’t stop when he moved from Italy to England. That illness was there and people should look at it that way, not ‘Let’s throw the book at him and punish him even further’, because that doesn’t get to the root of the problem.“He has suffered during this period. He has sought help, he’s been very honest, he has admitted he has an issue, and the best thing for Sandro would be to resume his career having taken his punishment and learned a lot of lessons.”Asked whether he feels let down by Tonali, Howe added: “I don’t. Sandro has an illness. If this was associated with another form of illness, there would be a lot more sympathy and understanding.Most read in Football“It did not stop when he came to England.“It was only when everything that had happened – instantly he was very apologetic and sorry for what he had done – that he needed help. We have tried, along with Sandro’s representatives and his family, to get him the help that he needs to recover from this.”‘He has a special place for Newcastle’ – Jose Mourinho tipped to replace Eddie Howe by former Premier League managerHowe refused to answer whether he was concerned if it is found that Tonali gambled on Newcastle games earlier this season.On whether he can trust the Azzurri international going forward, he said: “As I’ve said, it’s an illness. It’s something we need to help him with. I’ve got no issues trusting Sandro at all. He’s responded to what’s happened to him outstandingly well.”Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July but was banned for 10 months by the Italian FA in October for betting on matches involving his former teams Brescia and Milan.Sandro has an illness. If this was associated with another form of illness, there would be a lot more sympathy and understanding.Eddie HoweHowever, he has been able to train with Howe’s squad having made just 12 appearances for the Geordies, unlike Brentford striker Ivan Toney’s case.Tonali’s agent said the Italian international is suffering from a gambling addiction, adding: “I hope that this experience saves his life and that of many others, that it helps those who fall into the same habit as him.” More

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      Roy Keane says ‘this is big boy stuff… you’re getting kidded’ after Ian Wright’s Premier League prediction

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      ROY KEANE insists Arsenal will NOT beat Manchester City when the two sides meet on Sunday.The Gunners travel to the Etihad Stadium this weekend to face Pep Guardiola’s side in a blockbuster Premier League title showdown.Roy Keane is not convinced Arsenal will beat Man CityCredit: GettyRoy Keane made a bet with Arsenal legend Ian WrightCredit: YouTube/The OverlapArsenal currently sit at the top of the table, with City trailing by just one point.The result of Sunday’s match could be a defining moment in the title race, with Liverpool also in the running.Arsenal legend Ian Wright is convinced that his former side CAN do the double over City.However, Keane is adamant that it won’t happen.Read More on FootballIn the latest episode of The Overlap by Sky Bet, Wright said: “We’re beating them. You know why I’m saying that? We have to beat them.”Keane responded: “That doesn’t mean you’re going to win.”However, Gary Neville chimed in to state: “I think you have to beat them.””Why should I not think we can beat them?” Wright continued. “We’ve got a great defensive record and we’re scoring goals. Why should I now go negative on my team?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManchester United icon Neville went on to back Arsenal before ex-Man City and England star Jill Scott argued: “Arsenal are not going to win this year.”Keane went on to say: “This is big boy stuff now. Arsenal are not winning there. Arsenal are not winning at Man City.”Hoards of Arsenal fans descend on North London in hunt for unique Bukayo Saka memorabiliaThe former Man Utd midfielder was so confident in his prediction that he even made a bet to buy Wright a watch if Arsenal win.He continued: “I’m going 2-1 City. Arsenal are not winning there. You’re getting kidded, I’m telling you.”This is big boy stuff now. Arsenal are not winning there. Arsenal are not winning at Man City.Roy KeaneGuardiola has several injury concerns ahead of the match, with Kyle Walker, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Ederson all doubts.As for Arsenal, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes withdrew from international duty last week.However, both players are expected to be fit for Sunday. More