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    Sunderland line up Man City star, 19, as Jobe Bellingham replacement as Dortmund transfer edges closer

    SUNDERLAND want Manchester City kid Charlie Gray to fill Jobe Bellingham’s boots.Talented midfielder Gray, 19, has a year left on his City contract and may look to move on for the chance of a first-team spot with the Premier League new boys.Charlie Gray is on Sunderland’s radarCredit: GettyGray could replace Jobe Bellingham if he signs for Borussia DortmundCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe has been on City’s books since he was just eight and is yet to make his senior debut.The teenager helped the club’s Under-21s win both the league and play-off phase of the Premier League 2 last season.Described as a “calm, ball-playing defensive midfielder”, he also caught the eye in the youth Champions League as City reached the quarter-finals.Gray could follow in the footsteps of stars such as Romeo Lavia, Jadon Sancho and Jeremie Frimpong in leaving Manchester for senior football without a Prem appearance to their name.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes amid Bellingham departing Sunderland despite their promotion back to the top-flight.Jobe, 19, is set to join Borussia Dortmund in a move that sees him take the same path as his brother Jude, 21.The German giants recently sent a delegation to England for talks over a deal.It has been reported that Sunderland want a fee of £25million for Bellingham.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe could become the second wonderkid to leave the Stadium of Light after play-off final hero Tom Watson joined Brighton for £10m.Meanwhile, the Black Cats are ready to offer their homegrown star Chris Rigg, 17, an improved contract.But keeper coach Tom Weal has made a shock exit to rejoin old club MK Dons. More

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    Tottenham line up £20m-rated England U21 star transfer as managerless Spurs move on quickly from Ange Postecoglou

    ENGLAND UNDER-21 star Hayden Hackney is on managerless Tottenham’s transfer radar.The Middlesbrough midfielder, 22, looks set to leave his boyhood club after their failure to win Championship promotion.Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney is a wanted manCredit: GettyThe £20m-rated ace has already proven he can cut it against the big boys of the Premier League with stand-out cup displays against both Chelsea and Aston Villa last season.Now he hopes to catch the eye at this month’s U21 European Championship in Slovakia.A host of clubs have been monitoring Hackney for several months, including Portuguese giants Porto who had a measly £9m bid rejected in January.German side Stuttgart are also keen as are Crystal Palace, but Sun Sport understands that Spurs’ scouts have also been running the rule over Hackney.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTottenham talent spotters will also be out in Slovakia to watch the action closely and, if Hackney shines for Lee Carsley’s side, they could give the green light for the club move despite not yet appointing a replacement for axed Ange Postecoglou.Middlesbrough are in no rush to sell their home-grown star and could even squeeze a couple more million onto his price tag depending on how he performs at the Euros.They are also searching for a new manager in their own right following the decision to dismiss Michael Carrick on Wednesday.And despite still having some money in the bank from selling Emmanuel Latte Lath in January, cashing in on Hackney would help them add to any incoming coach’s transfer kitty. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEngland kick-off their Euro campaign against the Czech Republic on Thursday.They then face Slovenia three days later and finish the group stage against Germany on Wednesday 18 June.All of England’s matches are being broadcast live on Channel 4.Five EFL Championship stars destined for the Premier League More

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    Thomas Frank is perfect manager to deal with Tottenham’s Daniel Levy – after being slammed by his OWN chairman on forum

    THOMAS FRANK’S first big job ended when the club chairman was exposed for criticising him on an online fans’ forum.Although some Tottenham supporters have a pretty low opinion of supremo Daniel Levy, it’s unlikely he would ever be caught doing the same.Thomas Frank is the perfect manager to deal with Tottenham’s Daniel LevyCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSpurs owner Levy is on the hunt for a new gaffer after sacking AngeCredit: AlamyLevy keeps a low profile and says very little about whether he is backing his manager — until the moment he doesn’t any more.Which is not quite how Jans Bech Andersen handled things after becoming chairman of Danish club Brondby.Frank had left his role with the Danish FA coaching the youth teams and working with senior boss Morten Olsen, to take over at the cash-strapped fallen giants in 2013.But he resigned in March 2016 after just under three years in charge because of what became known as ‘Oscar-gate’.READ MORE TOTTENHAM NEWS‘Oscar’ was the name attached to a profile on a leading Brondby fan messageboard which had repeatedly hammered Frank and sporting director Per Rud.And it turned out that ‘Oscar’ was Bech Andersen, a rich fan who had increased his investment and influence at the club a few months after Frank’s arrival.Among ‘Oscar’s’ posts were rants criticising Frank for being a coach “who is inexperienced and stubbornly sticks to a system that doesn’t work” and his “inability to integrate new players that he himself has 100 per cent chosen”.‘Oscar’ said Frank and Rud had made “crazy decisions together due to ignorance and lack of experience”, creating “a headache that needs to be cured as soon as possible”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFrank understandably talked of a “breach of trust” in his resignation statement. Nine months later, in December 2016, he joined Brentford as assistant boss to Dean Smith before taking the head coach role in October 2018.England football ace Millie Bright leaves fiancé & falls for married personal trainer ‘in a big way’It would be easy to say the rest is history but Frank did have a sticky start to his reign.Without the strong backing of Bees owner Matthew Benham and co-director of football Rasmus Ankersen —  a fellow Dane — he might not have survived.Gambling guru Benham believed Frank was a good bet and has been proved right.­For all Frank’s incredible success in leading the club from the Championship to the top half of the Premier League, Levy and Spurs fans are entitled to ask how he would cope with the very different challenge at Tottenham?The 51-year-old has never taken charge of a Champions League match nor won a major trophy, two things which were on former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou’s CV even before he led Spurs to Europa League glory in what turned out to be his final game.Eddie Howe was similarly inexperienced when he joined Newcastle in November 2021.Yes, Howe had taken Bournemouth through the divisions all the way to ninth place in the top flight but he had also been relegated in 2020 and never managed in Europe.Yet Howe proved his doubters wrong — in 2023 he led the Magpies back into the Champions League, before lifting their first major domestic trophy for 70 years with March’s Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool.Much has been made of Brentford’s use of data from Benham’s gambling business to give them the edge in recruitment. But it is one thing to identify hidden gems with the potential to become stars — the art is  making them realise that potential.Spurs sacked Ange Postecoglou on FridayAnd Frank has a brilliant record, particularly with forward players.Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa are  the most high-profile examples of the ability of Frank and his coaches.Levy will have also seen how players like Christian Norgaard — soon to become a free agent — have quietly become established Prem stars.Frank has also proved tactically adaptable in a way Big Ange stubbornly refused to be until that backs-to-the-wall performance in the second half of the Europa League final against Manchester United.Brentford were a free-scoring, attractive side in the Championship.But after winning the play-off final in 2021, Frank knew he had to compromise a bit.He made his side defensively sound and difficult to beat, using marginal gains like set-piece excellence to help preserve their top-flight status.But last season the Bees were among the Prem’s great entertainers.They were also one of the very few clubs in Europe to have three players with more than ten league goals – Mbeumo, Wissa and Kevin Schade.If Frank gets the Spurs job, his  personality will be quite a change from Postecoglou’s gruff Aussie charms.The genial Dane is the most  relatable and likeable Prem boss.His image of a man who likes to visit his local pub on the Thames is not just for show.Brentford know what an asset they have, which is why Frank has a £10million release clause.Every managerial appointment is a gamble but for Levy that could be money well spent.Read More on The SunBech Andersen remains at Brondby and is still posting on social media — albeit under his own name now.At least Frank won’t have to cope with Levy doing that if he joins Spurs. 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    Tottenham ready to hijack Man Utd’s £60m Bryan Mbeumo transfer as Brentford identify Thomas Frank replacement

    TOTTENHAM want Bryan Mbeumo to join with Thomas Frank — in a £70million double raid on Brentford.Spurs have made Bees boss Frank their first choice to replace axed Ange Postecoglou and want to tie up a swoop quickly.Spurs are trying to hijack Man Utd’s move for Bryan MbeumoCredit: GettyMbeumo could join manager and Spurs target Thomas FrankCredit: Shutterstock EditorialRuben Amorim has already lost out to Spurs after a 1-0 defeat in the Europa League finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAnd the Europa League winners are trying to hijack Manchester United’s move for attacker Mbeumo — with hopes that landing Frank could help sway a deal.Frank, 51, is open to the move across London and a £10m compensation package to land the Dane and his staff will not be a problem.Spurs technical director Johan Lange, who worked with Frank at Danish club Lyngby, will play a key role in negotiations.Then Tottenham can join the Mbeumo chase seriously and hope that being able to offer Champions League action will give them another edge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSUnited are edging towards a £60m deal and Spurs have cash to match that.It would be a huge test of Tottenham’s spending power as United prepare to offer huge wages on top of the fee for the Cameroon international, 25.Meanwhile, Brentford are already homing in on Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna to succeed Frank.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut McKenna signed a massive new deal at Ipswich a year ago and his compensation clause is understood to be a similar figure to Frank’s.Most read in FootballThe lure of a second crack at the Premier League is bound to appeal to the Northern Irishman, who was relegated after leading Ipswich to Prem promotion for the first time in 22 years.Who could replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham manager?Brentford have alternatives if McKenna is not committed.Brentford are keen on Kieran McKenna if Thomas Frank moves to SpursCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea launch first bid for Jamie Gittens after agreeing deal with Borussia Dortmund ace on seven-year contract

    CHELSEA have launched an opening bid for Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, according to reports.And a seven-year contract has already been agreed with the winger, 20.Chelsea submitted their opening offer for Jamie GittensCredit: AlamyThe Blues are keen to add the England Under-21 international to their squad this summer. And The Athletic claim they have now officially submitted a transfer proposal to the Bundesliga side. SunSport reported earlier this week that Chelsea were keen to secure an £80million English double header.They have already completed the £30m acquisition of Liam Delap.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZNAnd now they are hoping to test Dortmund’s resolve by swooping for £50m-rated Gittens.But whether they are successful or not, Gittens will be in action at the Club World Cup.Dortmund are in Group F with Fluminense, Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns. Chelsea, meanwhile, will hope to top Group D which features Flamengo, Esperance de Tunis and Los Angeles FC. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEnzo Maresca is desperate to add a winger to his squad this summer – and ideally before the Club World Cup.Despite wanting to keep Jadon Sancho for £25m following his loan stint, he refused to take a pay cut from his £350,000-a-week wages. Dazn unveil brilliant Club World Cup promo video with legendary boxing announcer drafted in to ring bell on tournamentAlejandro Garnacho was also considered – as was Nico Williams from Athletic Club. But now their No1 priority is Gittens. The England under-21 winger joined the German side from Manchester City in 2020.Gittens – who spent time at Chelsea’s academy – had spells with Reading and City’s academy before moving to Germany and progressing into Dortmund’s first team.He registered 12 goals and five assists in 2024-25.When he found the net against Real Madrid, he became the youngest English player to score in the Champions League, aged 20 and 75 days.Gittens has played for England at youth level – not yet making a senior appearance – but will not play in this summer’s U21 Euros due to his Club World Cup commitments. More

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    Arsenal set to seal shock £5m transfer for Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga with keeper set to fight David Raya for No1 spot

    ARSENAL are on the verge of signing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, reports claim.And the Gunners will pay just a £5m release clause to their London rivals, who once made Kepa the world’s most expensive goalkeeper.Gunners are on the verge of finalising a deal to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa ArrizabalagaCredit: GettyArsenal had made Kepa their top target as they look to recruit a deputy to No 1 goalkeeper David Raya.But the 30-year-old Spanish stopper, who just enjoyed a solid season as Bournemouth’s first-choice stopper, won’t settle for a No 2 spot under Mikel Arteta.According to The Athletic, Arsenal are “close” to activating Kepa’s £5m release clause, after he kept nine clean sheets in 31 Prem appearances this term.Kepa has just 12 months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, having made 35 appearances at Bournemouth in all competitions.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Spaniard joined Chelsea for a £71.6m fee from Athletic Club in 2018 and has featured 163 times for the West London side, winning four major honours.Arsenal will pay 14 TIMES less than former Blues owner Roman Abramovich paid for Kepa, who was also loaned out to play 20 games for Real Madrid last season. Kepa fared much better at Bournemouth as Andoni Iraola’s side registered the joint sixth-best defensive record in the Prem.Bournemouth keeper Neto has returned to the Vitality stadium after spending last season on loan with Arsenal, making just one appearance across the entire campaign.Most read in FootballDavid Raya has won consecutive Golden Glove awards since joining ArsenalJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe Gunners had been linked with a move to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, but the La Liga gloveman now looks set for a move to Barcelona.Arteta has been a fan of Kepa for some time, valuing his ability to play out from the back, although there are doubts over whether Kepa would settle for a back-up option.Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’But ousting Raya from his established No 1 role will be difficult, even though he can’t beat Athletic Bilbao keeper Unai Simon to between the sticks for Spain.The fellow Spaniard has won consecutive Golden Glove awards since his arrival from Brentford, forming the base of the Premier League’s most formidable defence.Arsenal do have two young keepers on their books – 16-year-old Jack Porter and 18-year-old Tommy Setford both made their senior debuts in the Carabao Cup this season. More

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    BBC star shares shock theory as to why Tottenham waited exactly 16 days after Europa League win to sack Ange Postecoglou

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU was sacked 16 days after winning the Europa League – and now a theory has emerged as to why Spurs waited til then.Spurs chief Daniel Levy axed the boss last night – just over two weeks after that glorious night in Bilbao.Ange Postecoglou was sacked after exactly two years at SpursCredit: GettyDaniel Levy held fire for 16 days after the finalCredit: GettyVictory over Manchester United in Spain ended the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy.But after leaving Postecoglou in the dark over his future, Spurs finally announced he was relieved of his duties on Friday afternoon.It marked exactly two years to the day from when the Australian landed the job in North London.BBC senior football reporters Ian Dennis and Sami Mokbel discussed the sacking on the Football Daily Podcast.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth were adamant that the move to get rid of Postecoglou was made before the final.They said league form was seen as the “true barometer” and Europa League success was just a “bump in the road” to their ultimate decision.Dennis shared a theory that explained the over two-week wait for the confirmation.He tweeted: “Interesting his departure was timed after he had completed two years and on the first day of his third year. Significant in any settlement?”Most read in Europa LeaguePostecoglou has reportedly pocketed £4m after being shown the exit door by Levy.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe already collected a £2m bonus for getting the club into the Champions League.Brentford’s Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to take over and he has a £10m release clause in his contract.Who could replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham manager?Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola remains in contention.On Postecoglou’s departure, Dennis said: “It was such an inevitability that it was going to happen.”They got off to an absolutely flying start when he first arrived and it’s funny how perceptions can change through results.”If they had started slowly and finished well, you would not be referring to the 78 points from the last 66 games.”It seems there has not been an improvement in their league form.”Ange Breaks Silence On Tottenham SackingANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed.It read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.”The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.”That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.”There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.”We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.”I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.”I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.”It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.”And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.”A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. “We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.” More

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    Spurs rejected by ex-Premier League boss and now considering raid on TWO London rivals in hunt for new manager

    TOTTENHAM have been rejected by former Premier League boss Roberto De Zerbi, according to reports.Spurs brutally sacked Ange Postecoglou last night – just two weeks after he lifted the Europa League to end the club’s 17-year trophy drought.Roberto De Zerbi has rejected TottenhamCredit: ReutersChief Daniel Levy is leading the hunt for a new managerCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe club have been sounding out alternatives since the final in Bilbao and De Zerbi was approached.However, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims he rejected Spurs in favour of staying at Marseille.De Zerbi quit Brighton after two years in the job last summer and then penned a three-year contract with the French giants.Brentford boss Thomas Frank and Fulham manager Marco Silva are the leading candidates to replace Postecoglou.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFrank is the front-runner and he reportedly has a £10million release clause in his deal.But reports from The I Paper suggest him moving from West to North London is far from done.Brentford are ready to hear from Spurs but have so far not been contacted.There is still a strong possibility Silva lands the job and his representatives have been spoken to.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFulham are yet to receive a formal approach from Spurs.Silva has shown an interest in working under Daniel Levy before and he came close to being appointed instead of Antonio Conte in 2023.Ange Postecoglou’s BEST Press Conference MomentsBut Postecoglou’s replacement could be walking into a dressing room revolt at Spurs.The Telegraph claim that a number of players are fuming over the decision to axe the Aussie and some now want to leave the club.Thomas Frank and Marco Silva are in the frame for the Spurs jobCredit: ReutersAnge Breaks Silence On Tottenham SackingANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed.It read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.”The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.”That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.”There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.”We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.”I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.”I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.”It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.”And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.”A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. “We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.” More