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      Sheffield United may have to return £10MILLION to Nigerian businessman charged with fraud in the USA

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED face having to pay back £10million pumped into the club by a Nigerian businessman who failed to buy the Premier League strugglers last year.The cash-strapped Blades have been warned by lawyers they will have to return £8.85m plus interest if Dozy Mmobuosi is found guilty of fraud charges made against him in the United States.A legal case across the pond could prove costly for Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyDozy Mmobuosi is at the centre of fraud charges, having previously tried to buy the Blades as well as showing interest in other Prem clubsThe cash blow comes with Chris Wilder’s side on the brink of relegation from the Prem, which would cost them £100m.Lawyers warned: “Should the charges prove to be accurate, up to £8,850,000 plus interest could potentially be recovered from the club.”No date has been set for the trial.Mmobuosi, 45, disappeared from his luxurious London home in January after US authorities charged him with securities fraud, making false filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and conspiracy following an FBI investigation.READ MORE TOP STORIESMmobuosi, who had also shown interest in investing in Crystal Palace and Southampton, was touted as a potential saviour for the Blades after he was linked to a £115m takeover bid.He agreed terms with United’s owner Prince Abdullah and said he paid the cash as a deposit.But the EFL asked him and the club to answer further questions.Talks then broke down between the Prince and the African businessman.Most read in FootballThe Blades return to Prem action after the international break at home to Fulham.But the bottom side face a huge task to stay up as they are eight points from safety.Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton discuss the possibility of Manchester United going for Gareth Southgate as their new boss More

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      Liverpool lining up Roberto De Zerbi if Xabi Alonso snubs return as incoming chief has hidden link to Brighton boss

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      ROBERTO DE ZERBI is emerging as the top alternative to Xabi Alonso as Liverpool’s next manager.New Kop Sporting Director Richard Hughes knows the Brighton boss well after playing youth football against him in Italy.Xabi Alonso remains the favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp at LiverpoolCredit: GettyRoberto De Zerbi could be approached by Liverpool who have been long-time admirersCredit: GettyHe also tried to take him to his current club Bournemouth.And with Bayern Munich also keen on Bayer Leverkusen head coach Alonso, the Reds are looking hard at De Zerbi, 44, as Jurgen Klopp’s potential successor.Liverpool were already great admirers of the Italian’s work even before he joined Brighton in 2022.But confirmation that Hughes will join the Reds on June 1 gives RDZ another significant admirer inside Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHughes spent his early years living in Milan where his father worked for publishing company Pearson.He played for Atalanta and came up against De Zerbi, who was on AC Milan’s books.Former midfielder Hughes, 44, joined Eddie Howe’s recruitment team after retiring from playing in 2014 at the end of his second spell with Bournemouth.Hughes approached De Zerbi in his role as Bournemouth’s Technical Director after Scott Parker was sacked in August 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Brighton lost Graham Potter to Chelsea a few days later and were able to move for the Italian more quickly.If Liverpool’s interest becomes concrete, De Zerbi may face a dilemma.Charlie Adam on watching golf with Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish instead of transfer talksPep Guardiola has made no secret that he sees his Brighton counterpart as someone who could replace him when he leaves Manchester City — which could be as soon as the end of next season — while Barcelona are also big admirers.Alonso is also not short of options himself as another of his old clubs, Real Madrid, could be in the market for a new boss in the near future.It is possible Alonso, 42, will stay at Leverkusen for at least another season if Real let it be known that they want him to succeed Carlo Ancelotti.Richard Hughes, centre, has a long-standing relationship with De ZerbiCredit: Getty More

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      Man City to bank a guaranteed £53million in next year’s revamped Champions League before they kick a single ball

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      MANCHESTER CITY will earn a guaranteed £53million in next year’s Champions League – without kicking a ball.The Etihad side will be able to land £133.5m if they win every game – up from the £117m they earned for last season’s triumph.Manchester City will earn a guaranteed £53m in next year’s Champions LeagueCredit: PAMan City pose as a certainty to compete in next season’s revamped Champions LeagueCredit: AFPAnd England’s other representatives can all gross huge sums, with Liverpool just fractionally behind City in the new money table.Pep Guardiola’s side can add an extra £3.67m if they retain their title at Wembley in June and then win the Uefa Super Cup for the second year running – taking their potential European earnings to £137.21m.But French giants Paris Saint-Germain will be Europe’s top pre-season earners under a new calculation system agreed by Uefa’s top brass.The revamped competition, with 36 teams in the expanded Champions League, will be worth a total of £372m more to participating clubs from next season.Read More on FootballThat sees the round by round prize fund increase from maximum earnings of £72.9m per club to £94.9m.The new system will see all teams play eight opponents – with four games at home and four away – to create a “final” table.The team top of that table will collect £8.6m, in addition to their starting bonus of £15.9m and £1.8m for every league stage win.Further bonuses for each stage reached in the competition – with the top eight teams in the table going straight through to the last 16 and the clubs ranked ninth to 24th playing off to join them – boost the performance prize fund by 43.4 per cent to a total £1.35billion.Most read in FootballBut City will also benefit from a new calculation for the remaining £730m available to the clubs, which sees the previous “TV market pool” and controversial “coefficient” calculations merged together.It sees around 80 per cent of the remaining cash distributed by a calculation of performances in European football over the past five seasons and the size of the individual TV pot paid by broadcasters in each nation.Martin Lipton reacts to the Champions League draw as Arsenal face old foesTNT Sport are paying £305m per season for live coverage of all but 17 of the 189 matches, with Amazon Prime screening the others – the first pick of Tuesday games – and highlights on BBC for the first time.But the total of those deals are thought to be slightly under the £411m per year cable outfit Canal+ are paying for rights in France.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIt means PSG will take the biggest share of that pot – £30.9m – followed by City on £30.1m and Liverpool, assuming they finish in the Prem top four, on £29.2m.If Arsenal, Tottenham or Manchester United qualify, they will all take in excess of £23m from that pot.The remaining approximate 20 per cent will be determined by a 10-year ranking of European performances, although no longer including bonus points for past title wins.City are certain to be third in that list – behind Real Madrid and Bayern Munich – earning a further £7.3m.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool are set to pick up £6.23m from that pot for a total “value pillar” share of £35.43 compared to City’s £37.28m.The new prize fund, though, means clubs will earn LESS money per game than under the current system even if the gross figure is higher. More

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      Kobbie Mainoo the 14th player to make England debut aged 18 or under.. but how did others fare from Rooney to Walcott?

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      KOBBIE MAINOO on Tuesday was been called up to the England squad for the first time at the age of 18.The Manchester United wonderkid was initially left out of the Three Lions squad last week but earned his promotion from the U21 side after starring the 4-3 dramatic victory against Liverpool on Sunday.Kobbie Mainoo earned his first call-up to the England senior squad on TuesdayCredit: GettyGareth Southgate promoted the 18-year-old from the U21 sideCredit: GettyIf he plays Mainoo will play against Brazil or Belgium in the coming days.And the 18-year-old would become the 14th player in this century to make his England debut before 19.It is the latest step for Mainoo in his meteoric rise, which has seen the midfielder barely miss a game since breaking into the United first-team in November.Mainoo has caught Gareth Southgate’s eye with his performances and now has the chance to stake his claim to be included in the squad for Euro 2024.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut there are 13 other stars who also got the call up aged 18 or under.From Theo Walcott to Wayne Rooney to Jude Bellingham, find out if they achieved lasting success or reached their career peak too early.Theo Walcott – debut at 17 years, two months and 14 daysWalcott shocked the world when he was included in England’s World Cup 2006 squad having never played in the Premier League.But he impressed Sven-Goran Eriksson while playing at Southampton and became England’s youngest-ever male debutant in a warm-up friendly against Hungary in 2006.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe forward however did not play a single minute of the tournament in Germany and never went on to play in a World Cup in his entire career.After leaving the Southampton he spent 12 years at Arsenal and earned himself 47 caps for England but only scored eight times for his nation.How Jude Bellingham is key to England winning Euro 2024Walcott was deemed as the next big thing but sadly never lived up to the hype.Finishing his career back Southampton the north London born star hung up his boots last year after the Saints released him.Theo Walcott is youngest-ever male debutant for EnglandCredit: PA:Press AssociationWayne Rooney – debut at 17 years, three months and 19 days  As a teenager at Everton Rooney made his name scoring the winner against Arsenal just days before his 17th birthday in October 2002.Four months later England came calling and the striker made his way onto the international stage.Rooney scored four goals at Euro 2024 and that summer signed for Man Utd.He became one of the best players in the world but came under scrutiny when he did not translate his Premier League success for England.But fans will need to remember Rooney was England men’s all-time goalscorer with 53 until Harry Kane overtook him last year. He is the Three Lions most capped outfield star with 120 appearances and will remain in the history books for England.Wayne Rooney went on to become the nation’s second most-capped men’s playerCredit: Getty Images – GettyJude Bellingham – debut at 17 years, four months and 14 days Bellingham is on track to match Rooney or even surpass the 38-year-old.The 20-year-old made his debut for his hometown club Birmingham City just days after his 16th birthday in August 2019 and a year later signed for Borussia Dortmund.In November 2020 Southgate handed Bellingham his England debut in a 3-0 friendly against Ireland.And the youngster has only gone from strength to strength from there now playing for Real Madrid and has already scored 20 goals in his debut season.He does not turn 21 until June and has already made 27 caps for the Three Lions if he continues at this rate he will be breaking records all over.Jude Bellingham is now one of the first names on the teamsheet at only 20-years-oldCredit: Marc Aspland – The TimesRaheem Sterling – debut at 17 years, 11 months and six days  Fans had high hopes for Sterling when he moved to Liverpool’s first team and made his England debut in November 2012.It was a 4-2 defeat against Sweden and the game will solely be remembered for Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s bicycle kick goal.While he did not shine during that game he became key under Roy Hodgson and then Southgate.The winger faced criticism during Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup but he thrived in the Euro 2020 scoring three goals for England as they reached the final before losing to Italy on penalties.But after making 82 caps and 20 goals for the Three Lions it does not look like anytime soon he will be adding to his stats having not played for his nation since December 2022.Raheem Sterling is currently out of favour in Southgate’s squadCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdCallum Hudson-Odoi – debut at 18 years, four months and 15 days  Hudson-Odoi became a rising star at Chelsea before his 18th birthday, sparking rumours of a potential move to Bayern Munich.Despite the interest, Chelsea kept him, and he earned his inaugural England cap in a 5-0 win over the Czech Republic in March 2019.However, his progress stalled due to injuries and inconsistent performances. With only three England caps to his name, he retains the option to represent Ghana, for which he is eligible through his parents.Following a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen, Hudson-Odoi transferred to Nottingham Forest in 2023r.Overshadowed by skilled wingers in the national team such as Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen and Jack Grealish the Forest star has been absent from the England squad for over four years.Callum Hudson-Odoi has only made two appearances since his debutCredit: Getty – ContributorMicah Richards – debut at 18 years, four months and 22 days  Richards emerged as the youngest defender to ever play for England, in 2006.He was key at Man City which cemented his first cap for England – a 1-1 tie with the Netherlands.Richards played a pivotal role in City’s triumphant 2011-12 season which led to their Premier League victory and successes in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. But his international presence remained limited as he only made 13 caps for the Three Lions competing with Glen Johnson for the right-back spot.A career ending knee injury meant Richards hung up his boots when he was 31 and his now serving as a pundit on various sports broadcasting networks.Micah Richards became England’s youngest defender in 2006Credit: ReutersJadon Sancho – debut at 18 years, six months and 17 days  Sancho’s bold move to Borussia Dortmund as a youngster from England paid off as he gained international attention.Although his international debut in a goalless match against Croatia in October 2018 was forgettable, Sancho’s potential as an exceptional talent for England was undeniable.He flourished at Dortmund and United secured his signature for £73m in 2021 with high expectations for his success at Old Trafford.But his tenure at the club has been disastrous as he struggled to replicate his Dortmund form, struggled with mental health and faced exclusion from the first team after a clash with boss Erik ten Hag.Now back at Dortmund on loan Sancho has began to rediscover his form after a pivotal goal in the Champions League last-16 against PSV Eindhoven. Despite his comeback, his absence from the England squad for three years casts doubt on his inclusion in Southgate’s Euro 2024 lineup.Jadon Sancho is currently out of the England squad after a disastrous stint at UnitedCredit: ReutersMarcus Rashford – debut at 18 years, six months and 26 days  Rashford made an immediate impact in his debut appearances for the Red Devils across various competitions and extended this with his first match for England in May 2016.Merely three minutes into his international debut, Rashford found the net, contributing to a 2-1 victory over Australia and securing his spot in England’s Euro 2016 team.At just 26 years old, Rashford has already participated in four major international tournaments and is set to add a fifth at Euro 2024.Despite an underwhelming season at United with only eight goals Rashford continues to satisfy Southgate.With a tally of 17 goals from 59 appearances, Rashford’s scoring record may seem modest for a player of his calibre but time is on his side to boost those stats in the coming years.Marcus Rashford made his debut in 2016Credit: PA:Empics SportJack Wilshere – debut at 18 years, seven months and 10 days  Jack Wilshere made his first appearance for England in a 2-1 victory over Hungary.Wilshere’s talents made him a standout as he would dance his way through opponents, and he seemed destined to lead England’s midfield for years to come.But a succession of injuries interrupted his promising career, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.Despite these setbacks, Wilshere wore the England jersey 34 times and at 32, he hung up his boots and has since returned to Arsenal to coach the U18 squad.Injury ruined Jack Wilshere’s England careerCredit: Getty Images – GettyLuke Shaw – debut at 18 years, seven months and 21 days  Luke Shaw’s journey with the England national team began a decade ago with a 1-0 triumph over Denmark, which led to his call up to the 2014 World Cup after a triumphant term at Southampton.His move to Man Utd that summer marked the beginning of a career at Old Trafford that has been cursed by injuries.In 2015, Shaw suffered a severe leg fracture and has since faced ongoing battles with his fitness at United.These challenges have limited his appearances for England to 31 caps.But he emerged as Gareth Southgate’s preferred left back for Euro 2020 and the following World Cup.Currently sidelined if Shaw can regain his fitness in time for the Euros Southgate will be keen to choose the defender this summer.Luke Shaw is hoping to return to full fitness in time for Euro 2024Credit: PA:Press AssociationAlex Oxlade-Chamberlain – debut at 18 years, nine months and 11 days Oxlade-Chamberlain emerged as a shining light during a challenging time for the national team debuting just before Euro 2012 and emerged as a key player.He made a significant threat to opponents, and he seemed on track for an illustrious stint with the national team.But like others before him in this list injuries ruined his career,During the peak of his form in his debut season with Liverpool in 2017-18, a severe knee injury sidelined him crushing his World Cup dreams in Russia.Post-injury, he added only three more caps to his England tally.Despite scoring seven goals in 35 appearances his international future is uncertain, he has recently moved to Besiktas following his departure from Liverpool last summer.Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been held back by injuries and now plays for BesiktasCredit: Getty Images – GettyMason Greenwood – debut at 18 years, 11 months and five days  Greenwood’s debut in a 1-0 victory over Iceland in September 2020 was one he will want to forget as him and Foden were sent home early after breaching Covid-19 restriction meeting up with Icelandic girls in the team hotel.Greenwood was in line to represent his country again but these were put on hold following his arrest on serious charges in January 2022, leading to a suspension from United during the investigation.With the charges dismissed the following February, both Greenwood and United agreed it would be best for him to pursue his career elsewhere.Greenwood is now on loan with Getafe in Spain, and has scored eight goals and five assists this season.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not closed the door on Greenwood’s return to the club, and the players seem receptive to the idea.Mason Greenwood has not played for England since his debut against Iceland in 2020Credit: ReutersRico Lewis – debut at 18 years, 11 months and 30 days  Man City’s Lewis earned his international debut just shy of his 19th birthday in a 1-1 stalemate with North Macedonia last November.Lewis has proven excelled at City and playing for England.While opportunities at the Etihad have been sparse, his versatility across the pitch makes him a valuable player in City’s quest for another Treble.While the upcoming Euros might be out of reach for Lewis his promising talent suggests that he’s set for international caps in the future.Rico Lewis has not played since his man of the match debutCredit: GettyWill Mainoo become England’s next star?The list shows England’s young talent have fallen onto different paths of success in theirs careers.READ MORE SUN STORIESFans are excited to see where Mainoo is heading after his stellar performance against Liverpool in the FA quarter final and scoring a last-minute winner at Wolves and thriving in the Champions League.If the teen stay clear of anymore injuries after facing a setback at the beginning of term due to an ankle problem he could become the Three Lions next superstar.If Mainoo remains injury free he could become England’s next superstarCredit: Getty  More

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      Seven Chelsea stars with just two months to save their futures including Sterling and Gallagher

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      CHELSEA are ready to embark on another epic transfer quest this summer.And seven current stars may have just two months to save their Stamford Bridge futures.Seven Chelsea stars are entering a key two months to convince Mauricio Pochettino of their futuresCredit: AlamyTodd Boehly is ready to splash the cash, but will also have to sell to balance the booksCredit: APTodd Boehly has already spent a mind-blowing £1billion on signings since taking charge in 2022.However, that figure is yet to transform into success on the pitch.Mauricio Pochettino is the fifth man to take charge of Chelsea’s dugout after Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor and Frank Lampard.And after finishing 12th last season, the Blues are sitting just one place better this term in 11th.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s now reckoned Boehly will make another big push in the market to cover specialist areas.He wants to land a free-scoring striker, with SunSport exclusively revealing Chelsea’s interest in Brentford star Ivan Toney.There could also be an addition at centre-back and left-back, while a technical winger is also on the agenda.But Chelsea are already toeing the line with Financial Fair Play.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIt means if there are any incomings, there must also be outgoings.Boehly hopes to offload wantaway flops Kepa Arrizabalaga and Romelu Lukaku to Saudi Arabian sides once their respective loans at Real Madrid and Roma end.Could Jose Mourinho return to Chelsea?However, a host of other players who are hoping to remain put could also be forced out.And they are now in a fight for their futures at Chelsea.Here, SunSport looks at the seven stars who in a scrap for survival…England international Raheem Sterling could be set for the Chelsea exit doorCredit: AlamyRAHEEM STERLINGCosting over £47million in 2022, the winger looks a shadow of the player who won four titles at Man City.He is yet to win over Chelsea fans, who loudly jeered his performance against Leicester on Sunday.And his exit would open the door for Mykhailo Mudryk to finally develop, while also giving space for the signing of a new speedster.But with Sterling on a reported £325,000-a-week in west London, there may not be many takers for him this summer.Conor Gallagher could fetch a hefty fee for the BluesCredit: GettyCONOR GALLAGHERThe academy man has really stepped up to the plate this season.After looking set to leave last summer, Gallagher has been a key part of any success Pochettino has enjoyed this season.He is desperate to stay put as his contract approaches its final year.But Boehly appears hesitant to reward Gallagher with a deserving salary, which could end up with the midfielder making a controversial move to rivals Tottenham.Robert Sanchez could fetch a quick quid for the BluesCredit: ReutersROBERT SANCHEZA curious buy after dropping down to third-choice at former club Brighton.The £25m goalie looked unconvincing before his injury allowed Djordje Petrovic to become No1.And Sanchez did his chances of reclaiming the spot little good with a jittery showing in the FA Cup win over Leicester.There are several youngsters at Chelsea desperate for a chance too, making Sanchez a prime candidate to earn a quick buck for Boehly.Marc Cucurella has yet to justify his heft price tagCredit: GettyMARC CUCURELLAIs starting to finally show glimpses of his undoubted talent after an awful debut season.He was a surprise £60m investment from Brighton, especially given the options Chelsea already had at left-back.However, it’s reckoned the Blues want ANOTHER player in that position following Ben Chilwell’s latest injury problems.And Cucurella could be sacrificed if Chelsea are able to recoup their losses.Trevoh Chalobah has caught the eye of several clubsCredit: GettyTREVOH CHALOBAHLike Gallagher, another academy product who would represent pure profit on the books if sold.He was wanted by Spurs and Nottingham Forest last summer before an injury scuppered any chance of an exit.Chalobah also stayed put in January and is now back in Chelsea’s starting XI after impressing Pochettino.But history shows Boehly is operating on his own wavelength, and is likely to sell Chalobah should a decent offer arrive — regardless of his performances.Armando Broja could fetch a decent fee for the BluesCredit: AlamyARMANDO BROJAChelsea slapped an outrageous £50m price-tag on the striker in January, leading to ridicule from rival fans.Broja managed just one goal before his winter loan to Fulham.But he is yet to make a single start for the Cottagers, meaning Chelsea will have no chance of sticking to their original asking price.And with Poch hoping for a deadly No9 to arrive, Broja’s future at the Bridge is likely over already.Thiago Silva is a prime candidate leave Stamford Bridge this summerCredit: AlamyTHIAGO SILVAThe biggest casualty of Chelsea’s recently revival in form, Silva’s age and lack of speed has finally caught up to him.The Brazilian legend is out of contract this summer and, barring a miracle comeback, will be released when it expires.READ MORE SUN STORIESSilva would love to stay put, and many fans would also like to keep him around.But after his wife criticised Pochettino’s decisions earlier this season, an exit may be the best solution for all parties. 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      The Premier League doesn’t need changing, Government should think again on new regulator that could fail football

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      I DON’T suppose Pep Guardiola is sitting in his office thinking of ways  to change a winning formula. So why is it that we want to do so?The Premier League is the market leader in football. It’s the most-watched, most-loved and most-trusted league in the world.The Government is launching an Independent Football RegulatorCredit: AFPIt attracts the biggest names to these shores as well as being one of the UK’s most-respected global exports.But we are being told that’s not good enough. The game needs a Government-approved regulator.Hmm. Just think about regulators, please, for a second.They’ve done a fantastic job cleaning up our rivers, haven’t they? And what about ridding the City of scheming bankers?READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEverywhere you look heavily regulated industries have produced massive failures.The General Dental Council boasts it is the UK regulator for dental professionals.Now try getting an NHS appointment with your local dentist. It is not something to smile about, even if you have any teeth left.This country has many fine establishments and organisations, from our leading  universities to our remarkable record in film, music, fashion and the arts. But I’d argue the Premier League is our biggest success story.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThere was a time when foreigners coming to Britain would ask their taxi driver if they had ever met the Queen. But today they want to talk about the Premier League.Voices have backed this regulator-will-make-things-better nonsense as they say, ‘The football pyramid is suffering. The greedy grabbers at the top aren’t giving the lower leagues any backing’. Rubbish.Europa League quarter-final draw in full as Liverpool and West Ham learn their fate Around 16 per cent of Premier League revenues goes directly to the rest of the pyramid and helps to make the Championship the SIXTH richest league in Europe.The Premier League provides 94,000 jobs and pays £4billion a year in tax revenues for the country.  And remember, it is played in Newcastle and Nottingham, Burnley and Brighton. It’s not just flashy old London Town.Also, international fans do not follow just a single team but the whole league as it is an exciting, unpredictable competition, with well over a century of tradition and history.The Premier League has competition from the Champions League and, to an extent, the NFL. It means we can compete for the biggest stars, who kids can see on their club’s pitch and dream about.This legislation would make England the first major country to enforce a regulator.So, we have by common consent the best league in the world, played in some of the finest stadiums, but we want to risk that. Why?’We need another level of regulation like a hole in the head’I’ve heard supporters say a regulator would not drive away investment or affect the competitive nature of the Premier League, but where is the proof for that?All we know is a regulator adds another level of red tape to a game which used to be a simple one. Football has surely had enough of people meddling with it. Some recent rule changes have baffled fans.Good luck in trying to decipher what is and is not a handball these days. We need another level of regulation like a hole in the head.We’ve led the world in football for many years. But that is not guaranteed to last for ever.Uefa and Fifa are always trying to grab a bigger slice of football’s cake and if they had their way, domestic leagues would be just cannon fodder for their own competitions.Everywhere you look there are blasted regulators and if you can find one that has actually improved our daily lives, you’re a better man, or woman, than me.READ MORE SUN STORIESFootball. We are good at it. We are the envy of the world, with fans from Latvia cheering on Liverpool, Manchurians backing Manchester City, Luton fans in Liberia and Bulgarians who love Brighton.If ever there was an own goal, this is surely it. More

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      Gareth Southgate breaks silence on Man Utd job after major update on Erik Ten Hag’s future

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has broken his silence on speculation linking him with Manchester United.The England boss, 53, has been mooted as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag, should the Red Devils boss be given the boot this summer.Gareth Southgate commented on speculation linking him with Old TraffordCredit: GettyWhen asked about a potential switch to Old Trafford, Southgate insisted that his focus is solely on Euro 2024.He said: “I’m certainly not going to speak to anyone else.”I never have, I’ve been eight years in the job and would never entertain speaking to anyone else while I’m in a job, so I don’t know if that answers your question.“My focus is the European Championship. If we did a contract here before then everybody would be saying: ‘Why are you signing a contract before a Euros where you’ve got to prove yourself?READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“There are two things from my point of view. Firstly, I am the England manager and I have got one job, basically, to try and deliver a European championship.”Clearly, before that, I have two important games this week.“And the second thing is Manchester United have a manager.”I think it is always completely disrespectful when there is any speculation about a manager who is in place.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”I am president of the LMA so I don’t have any time for that sort of thing.”According to Sky Sports, Man Utd have not yet made a decision over Ten Hag’s future.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans for Manchester United’s stadium, Old Trafford, could be a new ground for the cost of an old ground refitThey add that the Red Devils are continuing to plan for next season with the Dutchman at the helm.Manchester City defender John Stones was asked if would prefer for Southgate to stay with England rather than go to rivals Manchester United.Stones said: “I personally want him here but it would be disrespectful to talk about a team with a manager when it’s cropped up, in my eyes, out of nowhere.”Southgate’s £3million-a-year deal with the FA is set to expire in December.He could opt to leave after Euro 2024, or to extend his deal to after the 2026 World Cup.England take on Brazil at Wembley tomorrow night, before playing host to Belgium on Tuesday.They will face further tests against Bosnia and Iceland in June, before kicking off their Euro 2024 campaign by facing Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on June 16.John Stones also commented on his manager’s futureCredit: Getty More

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      Todd Boehly pulled plug on £51m transfer for Brazil’s ‘next Ronaldo’ – despite Chelsea finding him a church to go to

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      FANTASY becomes reality tomorrow for football’s next big thing.Endrick, the 17-year-old sensation and emerging hope for Brazil, takes on England at Wembley tomorrow evening and then Spain on Tuesday at his soon-to-be new home, the Santiago Bernabeu.Endrick is set to make an appearance for Brazil at Wembley tomorrowCredit: AFPTodd Boehly missed out on signing the Brazilian for ChelseaCredit: ReutersThe striker, who will move to Real Madrid in July and has been likened to Samba great Ronaldo, has only ever experienced the two iconic grounds on PlayStation.Palmeiras whizkid Endrick said: “By playing video games, I know both stadiums.“It will be incredible to see how majestic they are, how grand they are, how many people they hold.“I hope it will be wonderful. I am sure we will get two victories.”Read More on FootballLondon was all set to be Endrick’s permanent residence until Todd Boehly backed out of a deal to sign him for Chelsea.The wonderkid-obsessed Blues owner was so far down the line with a proposed move for the prodigious striker that a church had even been found for him to attend.Endrick and his family had been invited over to take in Chelsea’s 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal and met the likes of Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jorginho and then boss Graham Potter.Even the capital’s gloomy weather did not put off the young forward with his dad Douglas commenting: “Endrick really likes playing in the rain.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Boehly had a change of heart over splashing £51.4million on a 16-year-old who would not arrive from Palmeiras for another two years – and pulled the plug.In stepped Real, who a month later announced they had agreed to buy Endrick in a deal that will see him pitch up at the Bernabeu in four months.Could Jose Mourinho return to Chelsea?He will likely be joined by Kylian Mbappe, whose widely-expected switch from Paris Saint-Germain could take the shine off Endrick’s long-awaited arrival.Though not if you talk to any of his team-mates in the current Brazil squad, who cannot speak highly enough of the teenager.Lucas Paqueta likened him to the ‘R9’ Ronaldo – the Brazilian one who went to the 1994 World Cup at 17 and won La Liga with Real – and is not the first to make that comparison.The West Ham midfielder, 26, said: “His speed and strength to take the ball forward reminds me of Ronaldo.“Of course, he is just a boy and is very young and will grow a lot.“There are some characteristics that remind me of him. He can develop to be a huge player.”It is the other Ronaldo, Cristiano who broke all kinds of scoring records at Real where he won four Champions League titles, that Endrick claims is his idol.CR7 elevated himself to the world stage, of course, at Manchester United, where current Brazil squad-member Andrea Pereira also came through five years after the Portuguese mega star left Old Trafford for the first time.Speaking about Endrick, Fulham ace Pereira, 28, added: “When I was in Brazil with Flamengo I could already see what he could do.“He is such a massive, massive player and has massive potential.”Like both Ronaldos, Endrick is ice-cool in front of goal – becoming the first player under 18 since Neymar to reach double figures in the Brazilian league – and has even said himself that he can be “very cold” in his demeanour.He has a rags-to-riches backstory typical of so many Selecao stars, describing his childhood growing up in Taguatinga, close to the capital of Brasilia, as “very complicated and very difficult”.At one point, he lived in an orphanage for six months with his two sisters.And while he claims he never went hungry, he says his parents starved for him and his siblings instead.Dad Douglas tried to make it as a player himself without real success, at one point in the 1980s hitch-hiking to Sao Paulo where he slept rough.He is now able to live vicariously through his son, though, who made a prediction on camera aged 11 that he would one day play for Real – and is now months away from realising that bold call.Tomorrow he could link up with his future team-mates Vinicius Jnr and Rodrygo in Dorival Jnr’s new-look Real squad – and face Jude Bellingham in the England ranks.The pair have already been exchanging messages on Instagram and could now share a pitch for what is set to be the first of many, many memorable matches.Speaking of Brazil’s rejuvenated contingent under Dorival – which includes ELEVEN uncapped players – Endrick added: “It’s going to be a good period with a new team, a new coach, new staff. Everything is new.“I hope I can contribute with everything that is asked of me.”The focus will be on Mbappe arriving in Madrid should his blockbuster switch go through.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa, with his powerful legs, rocket of a left-foot and frightening potential, will not plan on surrendering the limelight for long.As Pereira said: “The world has to look out for a big, big player and for sure he is going to deliver.” More