More stories

  • in

    Chelsea striker search ‘hits rocks with Todd Boehly and co offering lower salaries than BOTTOM HALF clubs’

    CHELSEA are rigorously searching for a new striker ahead of the summer transfer window.However reports suggest they face a struggle to sign an elite bagsman. Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly may not be able to compete in the summer market in terms of wagesCredit: GettyChelsea boss Enzo Maresca needs a new striker this summerCredit: AlamyNicolas Jackson is Chelsea’s starting strikerCredit: RexThe Blues have been turning to Nicolas Jackson as their preferrred centre-forward, with the 23-year-old amassing nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances this season.However, the West Londoners are seeking an elite hitman – especially with Christopher Nkunku heading towards the exit door.Sky Sports have reported links with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Lille’s Jonathan David.But all of the above have also been linked with some of Europe’s biggest hitters, including Premier League rivals.Read More on ChelseaAnd according to The Mail, Chelsea may not be able to directly compete in terms of wages.The same source claims one of the London giants’ targets opted against a move to Stamford Bridge as he was left dissatisfied with the salary on offer.In fact, as per the same report, the player in question found out that there are higher financial prospects at other Prem clubs – including one in the BOTTOM HALF of the table.The player’s agent told Confidential: “Chelsea don’t pay salaries.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite the report, some indications suggest Chelsea are capable of offering enticing salaries.After all, Enzo Maresca’s side are pushing for Champions League qualification and that alone would boost income and any potential new salaries.Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence near training groundChelsea have been splashing enormous sums ever since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital succeeded Roman Abramovich at the helm in the summer of 2022.Staggering findings by the annual European Club Finance and Investment Landscape report – commissioned by Uefa – showed the Blues had the most expensive squad ever in terms of transfer fees in 2024.By the end of the financial year, the West Londoners had racked up a combined transfer cost of a whopping €1.7billion (£1.5bn).And Chelsea spent about £220million during this past summer transfer window alone.But Chelsea need an elite striker, especially with Christopher Nkunku leavingCredit: Getty More

  • in

    ‘He told me to go’ – Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen drops Real Madrid transfer hint as release clause emerges

    DEAN HUIJSEN dropped a major Real Madrid transfer hint while revealing a release clause in his Bournemouth contract.The 6ft 6in centre-back, 19, has emerged as a key player for Andoni Iraola following last summer’s initial £12.8million move from Juventus.Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen has dropped a major hint over transfer links with Real MadridCredit: RexHuijsen has clocked up 25 Premier League appearances as Bournemouth push for a European finish.And his incredible debut season has seen him become one of the top defensive prospects around.Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle have all been linked with moves for Huijsen.But the newly-capped Spain international is also on the shortlist of Real Madrid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are already close to wrapping up a free transfer for Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.And Huijsen could now be set to join him in LaLiga this summer after dropping a major transfer hint.Speaking to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV, Huijsen hailed Real as a “big team” while admitting he wants to play at the highest level.The teen also name-checked Real legend Sergio Ramos as his icon growing up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Huijsen even confirmed that his Bournemouth contract contains a release clause – although he refused to reveal the exact figure amid reports of a £50million trigger.Revealing that a friend has been showing him stories linking him to Real Madrid, Huijsen said: “One of my close friends sent me a story about Real. He told me to go to Madrid! Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen couldn’t be happier being nominated for Premier League player of the month “I don’t know, we’ll see. It’s a big team. Every player wants to play at the maximum level possible.“I have a contract until 2030, I do have a clause.“(Idol?) Ramos, since I was young. (Ancelotti?) He is a very good coach. He’s not at Madrid for nothing, he has his merit.” More

  • in

    Aston Villa to go head-to-head with PSG in Marcus Rashford transfer battle with Unai Emery desperate to sign Man Utd ace

    ASTON VILLA are set to go head to head with Paris Saint-Germain this summer in a battle for Marcus Rashford.Sun Sport can reveal the Premier League side want to make the current loan arrangement they have with the England star a permanent switch.Aston Villa are set to face Paris Saint-Germain this summer in a battle for Marcus RashfordManchester United loanee Rashford came very close to joining PSG in 2022Credit: GettyManager Unai Emery has told Villa chiefs he’s confident the Manchester United forward’s head is in the right place and that signing him would help take the club to the next level.The big issue will be Rashford’s salary but Villa hope he could be persuaded to take a drop in his wages in order to secure a move that will help resurrect his career with the club and England.Emery – who took a risk by signing Rashford – rates him very highly.So highly in fact that Villa sources said he’d be prepared to make him their main striker should Ollie Watkins leave over the summer.Read More on FootballWatkins has been constantly linked with a move away from Villa Park, with Arsenal remaining very keen on the player.Rashford almost joined PSG before his loan move to the Villans and is still in talks with the French side who Rashford and Co lost 3-1 to in Paris in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final last night. According to L’Equipe, the versatile forward came extremely close to a transfer to Paris in the summer of 2022.In fact, the Parisians wanted the England international to come in and replace Neymar in the starting line-up.Most read in FootballAt least three meetings took place between the club and the Man Utd star’s entourage.Talks went so well with then sporting director Leonardo that the 27-year-old gave the “green light” for a move to Ligue 1.’That was missing’ – Brutally blunt Thomas Tuchel reveals disappointment in Rashford and Foden’s England performancesHowever, a deal fell apart in May of that year after PSG axed Leonardo and there is a strong feeling that if the Brazilian chief had stayed then Rashford would be playing for the French champions.Nevertheless, the same source reports talks have been been revived between Rashford and Leonardo’s replacement Luis Campos.Villa, who were watched by Prince William and his son George in Paris last night, will host PSG next Tuesday in the second leg of the tie.Wills and George cheer as Villa go a goal up in Paris in the first leg More

  • in

    Eric Cantona launches furious attack on Man Utd chief Jim Ratcliffe and accuses Ineos of ‘trying to destroy everything’

    ERIC CANTONA claims Manchester United has lost its soul as he signed his whole family up as shareholders in rebel club FC United.The French legend was back in town at the weekend and took in the disappointing goalless derby against City.Eric Cantona launched a stinging attack on Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: GettyThe minority Manchester United owner has come under fire throughout his tenureCredit: PABut he also made his feelings known by agreeing to become a co-owner of FC United of Manchester – while acquiring shares for his four children and two brothers.Cantona fired another blast at new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe for some of the decisions he has made since he moved into the club early last year.He claims the Ineos owner and his team are trying to “destroy everything” and blasted the decision to move away from Old Trafford.Cantona, 58, said: “I support United because I really love United, but now if I was a fan and I had to choose a club I don’t think I would choose United.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“For me, that is very important to respect these people like you respect your manager and your team-mates.“I think since Ratcliffe arrived it’s the complete opposite and this team of directors they try to destroy everything and they don’t respect anybody.“They even want to change the stadium.“The soul of the team and the club is not in the players. All the people around is like a big family.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I don’t feel close to these kind of decisions. They have another strategy, another project. Do you feel close to this project? I don’t think so.”Cantona – who spent five glittering years at Old Trafford – says it is almost unrecognisable now from the club he knew.Fans say ‘you really aren’t ready’ as bizarre footage emerges of Man Utd legend Eric Cantona’s interviewHe said: “I remember a dressing room with players and Sir Alex Ferguson, all these people you don‘t know who helped us to feel at home and be in a family.“I think it’s very important to respect these people like you respect your manager and team-mates.“Since Ratcliffe arrived, it’s the complete opposite. He doesn’t want Sir Alex Ferguson as an ambassador anymore. He is more than a legend and I think we have to find this soul again.”Last month, it emerged United have drawn up plans for a new £2billion ‘New Trafford’ in the shadow of the Theatre of Dreams.The hope is it could be ready in just over five years – but Cantona is not impressed by the proposals.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. He said: “The stadium is iconic. For me, Arsenal lost their soul when they left Highbury and I’m sure a lot of fans miss Highbury.“It’s like when you go in a house and feel a special energy. Can you imagine Liverpool playing in another stadium than Anfield? “It’s impossible. I don’t think United can play in another stadium than Old Trafford.“But I think maybe we are dreamers and they are more like an economy and a strategy. I hate this kind of thing. I hate this kind of decision.”Cantona revealed he offered help to the new regime to restore United to its former glory – but they did not take him up on it.He said: “I work a lot making movies and TV series. I started a long time ago when I left football.“Until the end of October this year I will shoot movies, but I said to them I can put that (aside) and concentre and help you to rebuild something.Read More on The Sun“And they don’t care. Me too, because I work. I don’t ask anything. But I feel sad to see United in this kind of situation.“So, for me and the respect for myself, I had to do it and I did it, and they didn’t care and I don’t care. They decided something else. They have another strategy, another project.”Cantona spent five years lighting up Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – GettyUnited released plans for their 100,000-seater new stadiumCredit: AFPCantona offered his services to the Ineos owners – but they rejected himCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

  • in

    Rasmus Hojlund’s Man Utd future already in jeopardy as Serie A clubs circle over misfiring striker transfer

    RASMUS HOJLUND’S Man Utd career could soon be over as the Red Devils consider shipping him out.That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who says Serie A clubs are keeping a close eye on the Danish striker.Man Utd are considering Rasmus Hojlund’s future at the clubCredit: ReutersThe Italian transfer guru adds that Man Utd are still deciding whether to keep Hojlund or sign a new front man.Hojlund has been heavily linked with Napoli and a deal that could see Man Utd sign Galatasaray loanee Victor Osimhen in return.The forward is already proven in Italy, having enjoyed a stellar season at Atalanta before moving to Old Trafford.He joined Gian Piero Gasperini’s side from Sturm Graz in 2022 and despite an unspectacular return of ten goals, his work rate and link-up play convinced Man Utd to shell out a whopping £72m fee a year later.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd Hojlund would finish the following season in more fruitful form in front of goal, as he netted 16 goals in all competitions for Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils.But his purple patch came to an end after the arrival of Ruben Amorim, with the Dane adding just two Premier League goals and four in all competitions since the Portuguese boss arrived from Sporting Lisbon.SunSport’s Dean Scoggins accused Hojlund of taking up positions that make it extremely difficult for the player to add to his meagre goal tally.He commented in his weekly Tactics Exposed video: “Hojlund hasn’t been getting the service that he should be, given the issues that have already been highlighted, but his average position is baffling.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”The striker’s average position at half time [against Man City] was deeper than [defensive midfielder] Manuel Ugarte’s.”The Dane doesn’t push the defender back as much as he should and it seems like he has a lack of confidence when it comes to beating a defender 1v1.Why Ruben Amorim’s Man United system is broken”[Joshua] Zirkzee offered much more in terms of stretching the City defence, but he just isn’t fast enough to make his runs effective. More

  • in

    Premier League cult hero’s son revealed as Reform UK candidate for upcoming election and vows to ‘fix’ local area

    STILIYAN PETROV impressed the Aston Villa crowd when he stepped on to the pitch.Now his son wants to impress the public as he steps into politics. Stiliyan Petrov’s son – also called Stiliyan – is standing as a Reform UK council candidateCredit: https://x.com/reformparty_ukPetrov is standing in the upcoming election for Nigel Farage’s partyCredit: Facebook/Reform UKEx-Bulgaria international Petrov Sr played for Celtic and Aston VillaCredit: Action Images – ReutersStiliyan Jr is campaigning to be elected on to the Warwickshire County Council.The 105-cap former Bulgarian international’s son has already been revealed as Reform UK’s candidate for the Lapworth & West Kenilworth ward. Reform UK say that he’s “ready to fix his local area by cutting wasteful spending, lowering council tax and ensuring proper funding for key public services”.Speaking in a short video released on the right-wing party’s social media channels in which he does kick-ups with a football, Petrov Jr said: “I decided to stand for election because I think it’s time the working-class people and the youth of this country have a voice.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”We all start somewhere.”When I started my electrical apprenticeship, I didn’t have any idea what I was doing.”I couldn’t tell you even how to wire up a light. As time goes on, you’re getting that experience.”It isn’t going to be an easy journey. It will be hard.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But you have to think on your feet and do what is best in that situation. “I think that’s really what is going to benefit me.”Premier League star Matty Cash interviewed by his reporter sister who tells him ‘I’m proud of you… I love you’ Reform UK are currently second behind Labour but ahead of the Conservatives in the latest YouGov voting intention polls.Farage’s most recent blasts include hitting out at “anti-fun” Labour – and insisting his party are the only one “serious about protecting your right to enjoy a pint, enjoy a cigarette and stick a harmless tenner on a football match”. Petrov Jr – who posed for photos with party leader Nigel Farage – will find out if he has been voted in as a councillor following the elections on May 1.But their latest councillor hopeful insists he is not hoping to spend his entire working life in the political arena.Petrov added: “I’m not looking to be a career politician. I’m looking to help the people of this area and hopefully the country one day and just create real change in this country.NOT STANDING STIL”Look around, this Labour government and the previous Conservative government have constantly been lying to us.”False promises and making us wait – well, I have had enough.”It’s time to step up to the challenge and make real change that matters.”I believe in common-sense politics, I believe we should have lower taxes, safer streets and infrastructure that benefits everyone rather than having potholes everywhere on the roads and everybody getting punctures.”We need to end this wasteful spending on a national and local level.”Reform UK stands for practical people like me and wants change and will ensure change. I am Stiliyan Petrov, I am Reform UK.”Read More on The SunPetrov Sr, 45, moved to the UK in 1999 when he joined Celtic, racking up four league titles in seven seasons at Parkhead, before moving to Villa in 2006.He was part of the Villa side that reached the 2010 League Cup final but was forced to retire in 2013 after being diagnosed with leukaemia – before appearing in Sunday league with Jude Bellingham’s dad. Petrov’s campaign video featured him doing kick-upsCredit: https://x.com/reformparty_ukHe did an apprenticeship as an electricianCredit: https://x.com/reformparty_uk More

  • in

    Premier League star, 27, interviewed by his reporter sister who tells him ‘I’m proud of you… I love you’

    ASTON VILLA star Matty Cash was interviewed on live TV by his own sister, who declared: “I’m proud of you.”Hannah Cash is a reporter for CBS Sports.Aston Villa star Matty Cash was interviewed by his CBS reporter sister HannahCredit: CBSThe pair hugged after Cash’s Aston Villa lost 3-1 to Paris Saint-GermainCredit: CBSAnd she was on post-match duty after Villa’s Champions League quarter-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain.Right-back Cash started the match in the French capital.But he was taken off at half-time after picking up a yellow against wing wizard Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.Unfortunately for Cash and Villa, the Georgian ended up netting a wonder goal in the second half as PSG won the first leg 3-1.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to his sister Hannah afterwards, Cash admitted Villa were disappointed with the result, yet remained confident in their ability to turn the tide at Villa Park.However, the conversation then took a turn as Hannah told Cash she had remembered to record the game for him back home.As the pair laughed, Hannah then ended the interview by saying: “Give me a hug Matthew.“I’m proud of you. I love you.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThis sparked jubilant applause back in the CBS studio.Kate Abdo, Micah Richards, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher all congratulated Hannah on her interview with brother Cash.Shock moment Aston Villa and PSG fans brawl ahead of Champions League tie as chairs & punches thrownHannah was congratulated by the CBS Sport studioCredit: CBSHer brother had a tough time against wing wizard Khvicha KvaratskheliaCredit: AlamyExplaining how the Villa star is always missing his own games on telly, she said: “He always forgets to record the game on TV.“He texts me two hours before the match saying please log in and record. It’s one of the biggest game of his life. So I made sure I did that for him.“But it’s got to be in HD. If it’s not in HD he gets fuming with me.”Fans reacted to the heartwarming encounter on social media.One said: “Things you love to see.”Another declared: “Wholesome.”Read More on The SunOne noted: “This is beautiful.”Another added: “Love it.” More

  • in

    Unai Emery bizarrely claims there’s ‘not a lot of difference’ between losing 2-1 or 3-1 as Villa face uphill battle

    UNAI EMERY bizarrely claimed there is “not a lot of difference” between losing either 2-1 or 3-1. Villa return from the French capital trailing by two goals against PSG after their Champions League quarter-final first leg. Unai Emery – TNT SPORTCredit: TNT SportMorgan Rogers cancelled out Desire Doue’s opener before goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Nuno Mendes gave PSG a commanding 3-1 lead. Mendes extended the score in added time – but Emery has not lost hope of overturning the deficit at Villa Park. He said: “More or less the expectation I had before the match happened. “[There is] not a lot of difference between 2 and 3-1 as we will play at home next week.READ MORE IN football “It will still be a huge challenge for us but we can feel strong at home with our supporters. “We needed to be defensively strong, lower than normal, but even when we were losing we had a free approach.”[There were] two shots from Morgan [Rogers] and one of Marco Asensio, the last goal, OK, but our mind is not changing a lot because we have to win at home now.” PSG – leading Ligue 1 by 22 POINTS – will travel to Villa Park on Tuesday. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Emery added: “The first half we had three or four chances to get in the box. “We knew before the match we needed to be clinical as well. We were in the first half but not second, we tried to show our power.’Turning gold into c–p’ – Ange Postecoglou kicks off again over criticism of Tottenham penalty farce”PSG like to keep possession, but today we were more in a low block, at home maybe we can change. “Hopefully we can get more moments to keep our momentum and possession. We are going to try and combat the result. “We believe in Villa Park and that our players can give the performances.”Emery watched on as his Villa side lost 3-1 at PSGCredit: Alamy More