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      Cole Palmer set to be rewarded for incredible Chelsea form with bumper pay rise just months after leaving Man City

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      COLE PALMER is reportedly set for a bumper pay rise at Chelsea, just six months after his £42.5million move from Manchester City.The playmaker was a surprise deadline day signing last summer as Todd Boehly ended his spending spree on the £1billion mark.Cole Palmer’s Chelsea wages are set for a huge rise after an incredible debut seasonCredit: APFans were curious to see whether Palmer, 21, would live up to his billing as one of the nation’s top youngsters.But the left-footer has gone above and beyond in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.Palmer has already clocked up 16 goals and 12 assists in 37 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino.His latest efforts helped Chelsea book a place in the FA Cup semis against Manchester City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Star claims Palmer is now set to be handed a new contract which will DOUBLE his wages.The newly-crowned England international is thought to be earning £75,000-a-week at Chelsea.However, Boehly and Co want to reward those who perform to a high standard.And Palmer’s wages will apparently skyrocket to a justified £150k-a-week.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe wing wizard is now hoping for some minutes in the upcoming Three Lions friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.One man who is encouraging Gareth Southgate to start Palmer is Chelsea icon Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who is now a coach with England’s senior squad.Shaun Custis and Jack Rosser discuss Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher’s England hopes as Southgate ponders Euro 2024 squadHe said: “Cole Palmer has got class, but his intelligence in football is really high.“He is the future. He’s in the squad, he plays absolutely magnificently for his club.“There’s a lot of talent in his position but he’s in the squad. When you play for the national team, it’s another level and it’s up to him.” More

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      Eden Hazard reveals dream job after hanging up his boots as ex-Chelsea star hints at coaching gig

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      EDEN HAZARD has dropped a hint about a new role in football as he prepares for his return to Chelsea.The 33-year-old retired from football in October after his epic career ended in disappointment after years of injury and weight issues.Eden Hazard is making his return to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge this summerCredit: GettyThe now retired Belgian ace has hinted at a potential new role in the beautiful gameCredit: ReutersThe ex-Belgian playmaker won the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup twice as well as a League Cup during his seven years at Chelsea.Hazard initially came through the ranks with Lille and went on to make 194 appearances and score 50 goals for them.The star’s dazzling form also proved instrumental in their league and cup double in 2011, ensuring legendary status at Lille, and eventually earned him his move to England in 2012.Hazard enjoyed equal status at Stamford Bridge for his performances at Chelsea but failed to replicate the magic at Real Madrid as his career ended in disappointing fashion.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe signed a £88.3m transfer deal in 2019 but played just 76 times and scored only seven goals in four seasons.His time at the Bernabeu was plagued by injuries and fitness issues with reports that his weight was a problem and that he once turned up to training after the summer a stone too heavy.Hazard allegedly had big-money offers last summer from his homeland, the MLS in America and Saudi Arabia.But even the ace admits that he “misses” playing, he is relishing his new found freedom after opting to hang up his boots.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told The Standard: “I enjoy it a lot. I miss my football a bit, especially being with the lads in the dressing room, but I can do what I want now.“I have kids and a family. I can go to Belgium to see my family, brothers and parents. I can do a lot of things.”’Three games out? Perfect’ – Eden Hazard reveals why he was HAPPY with ban after ex-Chelsea star kicked Swansea ball-boyAlthough he did hint at a potential new career after discovering a new love in the beautiful game.On life at home with wife Natacha and their five boys, he said: “I don’t know [what’s next].“I don’t think I’ll coach professionally, but I think I can coach for youth teams.“I have kids, and I want to teach them how to play football.”However, Hazard will pull his boots back on at his old Stamford Bridge stomping ground on June 9 to feature in Soccer Aid for UNICEF’s World XI against an England XI that will be managed by Frank Lampard.He revealed his determination to deliver some magic to those to attend and insisted that he would get in shape as he didn’t “want to look like Peppa Pig”.Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 takes place on Sunday 9 June at Stamford Bridge, with tickets available at socceraid.org.uk/tickets.Hazard will feature for UNICEF’s Soccer Aid for World XI against an England XI on 9 JuneCredit: Rex More

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      Premier League bosses facing major headache as they brace for unprecedented final-day ‘fake’ trophy dilemma

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      PREMIER LEAGUE bosses are putting plans into place for an unprecedented end to the season amid a thrilling fight for the title.But there is one potential headache…Premier League chiefs are facing a dilemma on what to do with the trophy in the final dayCredit: APManchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool are all battling for the Prem titleCredit: GettyWhat will they do with the winners’ trophy if it goes down to the final day with three sides still in the race to finish top?On nine occasions since 1992, two teams have fought out top spot on the final day, with Liverpool and Manchester City doing so two years ago.Yet if the table looks the same on Sunday, May 19 as it does today, City, Arsenal or Liverpool could all be crowned champions.All three sides are at home — Arsenal face Everton, Liverpool host Wolves and City play West Ham.Read More on FootballThere are two identical, solid silver trophies which were originally cast by Asprey London, the Crown Jewellers.Trophy No1 remains with the holders until they hand it back three weeks before the end of the campaign.There is also a second trophy which the Premier League takes around the world for various sponsorship events.Obviously, the two trophies cannot be in three different places but SunSport understands a solution is in place.Most read in FootballPremier League Productions is a company which provides studio shows and commentators for worldwide viewers of the English game.It is based at Stockley Park in Uxbridge — which is also home of the VAR control room.Man City accused of ‘dark arts’ and ‘mind games’ before Arsenal as they make dramatic change to pre-match routineAt PLP, a Premier League trophy is on display and while it is neither identical or solid silver, it is a convincing stainless steel version.So this is likely to be the trophy which would be at the home of the third-placed team on the final day, in case they leapfrog the other two sides.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWhoever lifts the trophy on May 19 will initially have to hand it back after two weeks so it can be cleaned by expert specialists.The silverware is always filthy after title celebrations due to the huge number of people who have held it.BRAZIL GUNNING FOR GLORYTOTTENHAM star Richarlison and his Brazil team-mates are based at Arsenal’s training ground ahead of their sold-out friendly against England on Saturday.It is the Samba Boys’ first match against a European nation — outside of a World Cup — since they beat the Czech Republic in Prague in 2019.Brazil used to play friendlies regularly in Europe and they drew 0-0 at Wembley in 2017.But the Nations League has had a major impact on all South American countries coming here as the international calendar is more congested.SARNIE OF CHAMPIONSWANT to know the food of champions?Erling Haaland likes a colossal sandwich with Parma ham, burrata cheese, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, truffle oil, rocket and pistachios.Manchester City invited a Sardinian couple, who run Italian sandwich shop Ad Maiora in the city, to treat the squad after the derby win over Manchester United.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe players chose the ingredients and Haaland apparently loved his gut-buster.And now, until the end of the month, you can buy the Haaland Sandwich — though it will cost you £13.90. More

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      ‘Even Nando’s love the Arsenal’, say fans as Bukayo Saka launches own signature PERi-PERi sauce that ‘actually bangs’

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      BUKAYO SAKA has unveiled a signature brand of PERi-PERi sauce that he hopes is as “smoking” hot in the pot as his form on the pitch.Fans claim “even Nando’s loves Arsenal” after the winger’s surprise loan transfer to become “head chef” at the chain restaurant.Bukayo Saka becomes a wings wizard as the Arsenal wideman pours his creation onto a popular Nando’s dishCredit: PAThe England ace enjoyed his stint as ‘head chef’ at the chain restaurantCredit: PASaka proved he has plenty of bottle with his kitchen performanceCredit: PAThe 22-year-old saw his limited edition “PERi-PERi Saka Sauce” launched just as England knuckle down to training for two prestigious friendlies.Showing the confidence and individualism that has helped the Gunners top the Premier League, the Three Lions’ hero chose smoky BBQ and tomato alongside the eatery’s most famous sauce. Saka said: “The sauce mixes sweet, spiciness and smokiness. I love it and can’t wait for everyone to try it. “I’ve been going to Nando’s since I was little so to have my own PERi-PERi sauce in every restaurant in the country is quite mad!READ MORE TOP STORIES”My family’s really important to me so I wanted to make sure they liked it, too. As soon as my Dad said he was a fan, I knew it was the one.”Football supporters responded enthusiastically online, one joking: “Do any doctors follow me that could advise me on how many bottles of Saka’s Nandos sauce is *too many* to drink in a row?”Another fan insisted the concoction “actually bangs” and a third suggested: “Saka with his own Nando’s sauce – this guy is generational.”And yet more admirers called on him to launch more “collaborations”.Most read in FootballSaka was with England team-mates like Jude Bellingham on TuesdayCredit: GettySaka made his move into the spicy sideline just as the season sizzles nicely for club and country.The Gunners are attempting to fend off Liverpool and Manchester City to win the Prem for the first time since 2004. How Arsenal’s Fab Five are driving Premier League title charge as stats show incredible form after mid-season breakAnd England face Brazil this Saturday followed by Belgium three days later in key warm-up games for the Euros, which start in Germany this June.So with a great sense of timing, Saka proved he has a taste for glory on more than one front with a brief but brilliant diversion into the kitchen.And apart from formulating his own sauce he played a key role in a light-hearted “Yes Chef” mini-movie that accompanied it.Director Josh Cohen said via Sticker films: “We had such a great time shooting it.”Bukayo really embraced the concept and his role as head chef!”Saka has sniffed success in an exciting new wayCredit: PA More

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      Gareth Southgate overtakes Graham Potter as overwhelming favourite for Man Utd job with England contract talks on hold

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has overtaken Graham Potter as the bookies’ new 2-1 favourite for the Manchester United job.Ex-Chelsea boss Potter had been lined up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe if Erik ten Hag is sacked.England boss Gareth Southgate has emerged as a favourite for the Manchester United jobCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag has come under fire amid a turbulent campaignCredit: EPASouthgate has overtaken Graham Potter as Ten Hag’s likeliest successorCredit: PABut England manager Southgate last week revealed he will shelve Three Lions contract talks until after Euro 2024.And Ratcliffe, in charge of United’s football operations, said: “If we get the right people in the right boxes, the results will drop out the bottom.”Potter worked closely with United’s incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth at Brighton, while Southgate has worked with him at the FA.Reports suggest Sir Jim has made the 53-year-old his No1 choice to replace under-fire boss Ten Hag at Old Trafford.Read More on Man UtdThis comes amid a turbulent campaign for the Red Devils under the Dutchman.The Manchester giants were eliminated from the Champions League’s group stage before plunging to sixth place in the Premier League.Southgate’s contract runs out in December.And Ratcliffe is said to be confident in prising him over to club football once again following his three-year spell at Middlesbrough, which ended in 2009.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat is despite the FA’s desperate attempts to hold onto the Watford tactician.But as things stand, Ratcliffe would have to fork out around £800,000 in compensation for the Three Lions boss’ services.Gareth Southgate drops Kobbie Mainoo Euro 2024 hint as England boss names four players on cusp of breaking into squad The Ineos chief will also need to splash £10million just to sack Ten Hag and his coaching staff.Potter has been without a job since his dismissal as Chelsea boss last April.Southgate could bring some of his England stars if he took over at Man UtdInside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

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      Erling Haaland limps out of Norway training in huge injury scare before Man City’s title clash with Arsenal

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      ERLING HAALAND gave Manchester City fans a huge scare after limping out of Norway training.The Man City striker, 23, joined up with his national team for friendlies against the Czech Republic and Slovakia.Erling Haalan went down in discomfortCredit: X/SkySportsNewsThe forward appeared to clutch at his legCredit: X/SkySportsNewsHaaland, 23, limped off in painCredit: X/SkySportsNewsThe forward appeared to take a knock in team training today.Footage shows the 6ft 4in star limping off the pitch while clutching his leg.City host Arsenal in a crunch title showdown in their first game after the international break.Pep Guardiola’s side will go into the match trailing the Gunners by a single point.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBu the latest update from Norway’s team doctor will reassure City fans.On Haaland’s injury status, they said: “No problem.”The City star missed nine games earlier this season with a foot injury.He returned in late January and has scored four goals in eight Premier League appearances since.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHaaland last week enjoyed a quick trip to Marbella.Joined by girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen, Haaland enjoyed the Spanish sunshine as he visited his dad’s new property.Erling Haaland reveals secret talent after childhood vid goes viralHe returned in time to help City book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals.Haaland started as his side beat Newcastle 2-0, courtesy of a pair of goals by Bernardo Silva.City’s No9 played 87 minutes before being replaced by Julian Alvarez. More

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      ‘I don’t want to look like Peppa Pig’, says Hazard as ex-Chelsea star reveals what he’s doing to stay fit in retirement

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      EDEN HAZARD believes he can still be tum-thing special – after promising not to end up “like Peppa Pig”!The Chelsea legend, 33, quit playing last October following four injury-hit years with Real Madrid.Eden Hazard wants to roll back the years at Stamford Bridge in JuneCredit: GettyHazard has given himself a Pepp talk over staying in shape and hopes to be in the pink for the Unicef match against an England XICredit: RexBut after battling weight issues in pre-season during his career, Hazard is determined to chop out such problems in the future.Above all, the 126-cap Belgian is determined to impress back on the Stamford Bridge pitch.Hazard will line up for for Unicef’s World XI against an England team managed by former Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard on June 9.He can laugh all the way to much more than the piggy bank after bringing home the bacon on more than £20million a year at Real.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut pride is at stake in the charity match, as well as his reputation at the ground where he enjoyed the finest seven years of his career.Hazard told The Standard: “I don’t want to look like Peppa Pig!”I play tennis, padel, run a bit, I play football with my friends and stay active.”After announcing his Bernabeu exit last summer, Hazard was linked with his brother Kylian’s Belgian top-flight team RWD Molenbeek, plus MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps and Saudi Arabian clubs.Most read in FootballPeppa Pig and friends are the opposite of role models for HazardCredit: AlamyBut he went the whole hog by retiring – and has “no regrets” over making such a decision such young.The former Lille hero said of his post-playing days: “I enjoy it a lot. Chelsea flop attempts ‘spinning high kick’ on fan as hundreds invade pitch to assault Fenerbahce team in chaotic clash “I miss my football a bit, especially being with the lads in the dressing room, but I can do what I want now.”Hazard won LaLiga twice and the Champions League once with Real after his £100million arrival from Chelsea in 2019.But he says his Stamford Bridge stint was his “best memory” in football.He lifted two Premier League crowns and the FA Cup with the Blues, also being the country’s double player of the year in 2015. More

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      Kai Havertz SHOULD have been sent off for diving moments before scoring Arsenal’s crucial winner vs Brentford

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      KAI HAVERTZ wrongly escaped a red card shortly before his Arsenal winner against Brentford, a review panel has confirmed.Bees’ manager Thomas Frank and many fans were furious Havertz did not get a second yellow card for diving on March 9.Kai Havertz collapsed without contact from Nathan CollinsCredit: AFPAn independent panel has ruled that Havertz did diveCredit: PAThe striker went on to nod Arsenal back to the top of the PremCredit: APNow the Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel has agreed – deciding Havertz should have been booked for “a clear act of simulation”.The frontman went on to head the Gunners back to the top of the Premier League via a late 2-1 victory at the Emirates.Frank led the shocked reaction over referee Rob Jones failing to send the in-form ace off.The Dane said: “I actually don’t think Havertz should be on the pitch when he scored the goal.READ MORE TOP STORIES”For me it was a clear dive when it was a penalty shout. If you see it back slowly it’s clear.”Maybe it’s difficult for the ref but the linesman should have seen it, in my opinion.”Havertz had already been booked for elbowing Kristoffer Ajer.He then tumbled dramatically when Brentford defender Nathan Collins challenged him in the box.Most read in FootballReplays later backed up claims from Bees’ players that Collins had made NO contact with Havertz.A flood of fans on social media were just as aggrieved that the £65million star remained on – especially as he soon nodded a decisive goal.How Arteta turned Havertz from expensive flop to Arsenal’s gamechangerNow The Times say an independent KMI body, whose job is to assess major decisions in games, has agreed the ex-Chelsea attacker should have been penalised.One fan posted: “That was a very clear dive and if it were to be a Brentford player in that position he would have been shown a red easily.”Another wrote: “Pretty sure almost everyone agrees except Arsenal supporters.”But some viewers claimed the Gunners should have been awarded two penalties in the same match. More