Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      My dad’s a former Premier League footballer and my brother plays for Chelsea – I’m making my own way on EastEnders

      by

      EASTENDERS’ newest star Kitty Castledine is the daughter of an ex-Premier League star and the sister of a current Chelsea midfielder.Actress Kitty, 21, who was paralysed at the age of seven, made her debut on the soap on New Year’s Day as Penny Branning – daughter of Jack Branning and cousin of Lauren Branning.
      Kitty Castledine made her debut as Penny Branning on EastEnders on New Year’s DayCredit: BBC
      Former Wimbledon and Wycombe player Stewart Castledine is Kitty’s fatherCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But what many EastEnders fans may not be aware of is her famous family.
      Not only is her mum Lucy Alexander a former host of Homes Under The Hammer, but her dad and brother have made names for themselves in football.
      Kitty’s father, Stewart Castledine, 50, spent nine years playing for Wimbledon.
      That included six seasons in the Premier League where he made 26 appearances, scoring four goals.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He also featured in the second tier for Wycombe.
      And Kitty’s brother is Chelsea youngster Leo Castledine, 19.

      The teenager has played six times for the Blues’ U21 side since joining from Wimbledon in 2020.
      He has also earned three caps for England’s U19s.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Kitty, right, with her presenter mum Lucy AlexanderCredit: Instagram / @lucyalexandertv
      Kitty is set to become a regular on EastEndersCredit: Instagram / @kittycastledine
      Leo Castledine could make his first-team debut for Chelsea on SaturdayCredit: Alamy
      Leo has appeared as an unused substitute in four of Mauricio Pochettino’s squads so far this season.
      And he could be given his first-team debut when they host Championship side Preston in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
      Before committing to football, Leo was also a part of the academy at Harlequins rugby.
      (L-R) Stewart, Kitty, Lucy and Leo have all made names for themselvesCredit: Instagram / @kittycastledine
      Lucy previously hosted Homes Under The HammerCredit: PA:Press Association More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Five Man Utd stars that could still leave in January transfer window as Erik ten Hag brutally clears out deadwood

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED could offload FIVE more players in the January transfer window.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has completed his 25 per cent takeover of the club and is ready to be in charge of football operations.
      Erik ten Hag is ready to axe five more players this JanuaryCredit: AFP
      The British billionaire is keen to overhaul United’s transfer setup and get rid of expensive flops signed by the old regime.
      Meanwhile, Donny van de Beek has joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan in a deal that could become permanent in the summer.
      And Sergio Reguilon has had his contract terminated, returning to Tottenham after just four months at Old Trafford.
      Erik ten Hag is set to continue shifting deadwood from the squad with more departures expected.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL

      Jadon Sancho
      Sancho’s Man Utd nightmare will end this month with a move back to Borussia Dortmund reportedly on the cards.
      The winger has not played since September following his public spat with Ten Hag.
      Sancho said he was felt he was made a “scapegoat” by his boss and he has been banned from training after refusing to apologise.
      Dortmund are now in talks to re-sign the England star on loan with the Red Devils set to help cover his £350,000-per-week wages.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      The 23-year-old is open to returning to Germany, where scored 50 goals in 137 games between 2017 and 2021.
      Jadon Sancho looks set to return to Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty
      Anthony Martial
      With his contract expiring in the summer, Martial could also be part of the clear out.
      Man Utd have the option to trigger a one-year extension but reports claim the club have no plans to keep him.
      They could choose to cash in this month to avoid losing him for free.
      Fenerbahce, Marseille and Inter Milan have all been linked with the forward.
      United have no plans to extend Anthony Martial’s deal that ends in the summerCredit: AP
      Casemiro
      Ratcliffe is keen to stop United paying over the odds for players with their best days behind them.
      After a good first year, Casemiro has struggled with injuries and form this term.
      United are open to selling the midfielder should a big enough offer come in.
      Reports state that Ratcliffe and Ten Hag accept they will not be able to recoup the £70million they paid for him 18 months ago.
      But the club are hoping to receive a hefty fee from a Saudi Arabian side.
      Director of football John Murtough has reportedly held talks with chiefs in the Middle East as United try to offload players.
      Man Utd could cash in on Casemiro amid interest from Saudi ArabiaCredit: AP
      Raphael Varane
      Another supposedly mentioned by Murtough was Varane.
      The centre-back could leave on a free at the end of the season after the Red Devils declined to trigger an extension in his contract.
      He can talk to foreign clubs this month, fuelling rumours of an early departure.
      Varane has fallen out of favour with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans moving ahead of him in the pecking order.
      The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Lens and a Saudi Arabian side.
      Raphael Varane is able to negotiate with foreign sides this month ahead of a summer exitCredit: Alamy
      Sofyan Amrabat
      Amrabat has failed to impress since arriving from Fiorentina on loan in the summer.
      There have been claims that Ten Hag is already open to replacing him this month amid reports there is interest in Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana.
      Amrabat’s deal at Old Trafford contains an option to make the move a permanent one at the end of the season.
      Read more on The Sun
      But SunSport exclusively revealed the club has no plans to trigger that clause due to feeling that the Moroccan does not suit the Premier League.
      Similarly to Reguilon, there has been speculation Man Utd could even try to rip up his contract and see his loan spell cut short.
      Sofyan Amrabat could be replaced this monthCredit: Alamy More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool recall club legend Ian Rush’s nephew tipped to reach very top after ‘outstanding’ loan spell

      by

      OWEN BECK has been recalled from his Dundee loan by Liverpool to help solve their left-back crisis.Boss Jurgen Klopp is without first-choice left-backs Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas through injury.
      Owen Beck has been recalled by Liverpool after a superb loan with DundeeCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Beck is the nephew of Liverpool icon Ian RushCredit: Alamy
      Scotland captain Robertson is not expected to return this month following the dislocated shoulder he sustained against Spain in October.
      Greece defender Tsimikas also faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after he suffered a broken collarbone in a freak collison with Klopp in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal on December 23.
      That has forced Liverpool boss Klopp to cut short Beck’s season-long loan north of the border at Dens Park.
      Beck, 21, played 20 times and scored twice for the Scottish Premiership side this season and won a debut Wales call-up from Robert Page in October.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The U21 defender was on the bench for the friendly against Gibraltar in Wrexham but failed to make an appearance.
      Dundee heaped praise on the full-back as he departed the club.
      A statement read: “Owen has been outstanding on and off the field.
      “We would like to thank him for all he has given and wish him all the very best for the future.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      “Owen will always be welcomed back in Dundee.”
      Beck, who played for Klopp’s men in two pre-season friendlies in 2021, will be hoping to emulate his great-uncle by becoming a Liverpool legend.
      Rush is the Reds’ all-time top scorer with 346 goals in 660 appearances.
      He won five league titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and two European Cups across two spells at Anfield. More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ‘can exploit little-known loophole’ to loan out Ian Maatsen if £30million Borussia Dortmund transfer collapses

      by

      CHELSEA star Ian Maatsen could leave the club on loan this month thanks to a loophole in the Fifa rules.Maatsen, 21, has made 15 appearances for Blues this season after spending last season at Burnley.
      Chelsea can loan out Ian Maatsen thanks to a loopholeCredit: Getty
      But he has only started three times so manager Mauricio Pochettino could be open to letting him leave.
      He is wanted by the Clarets once more and could join Vincent Kompany’s side on loan.
      Chelsea already have seven players out on loan – Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Diego Moreira, Angelo, David Datro Fofana and Gabriel Slolina – which is the maximum allowed by Fifa.
      However since Maatsen is categorised as an Under-21, he does not fall under the Fifa limitation.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      The left-back is also attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund who are understood to be plotting a £30million transfer.
      Chelsea could be keen to cash in to help ease financial fair play pressures.
      Conor Gallagher could be sold to Tottenham for similar reasons, with Todd Boehly likely to re-invest the earnings into yet more signings.
      Maatsen’s contract expires in 18 months and there has been no talks over an extension.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      SunSport revealed Manchester City are keen on him with Pep Guardiola plotting a January swoop. More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle transfer for Kalvin Phillips ‘in doubt’ as two Premier League rivals ready to sign wantaway England star

      by

      NEWCASTLE could be pipped to Kalvin Phillips’ signature by two Premier League rivals, according to reports.Toon have been heavily linked with a move for the Manchester City midfielder this month.
      Newcastle are stalling over a move for Kalvin PhillipsCredit: Getty
      But they are stalling as signing Phillips could disrupt their long-term plans.
      Phillips, 28, is available to leave on loan after featuring just ten times for City this season.
      But the champions are demanding a £5million loan fee which could include an obligation to buy for a similar amount they bought him for – £40m.
      According to iNews, that is what could be proving to be a sticking point for Newcastle, despite Eddie Howe reportedly being a fan of the England star.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Magpies might be able to afford Phillips and could be willing to make the deal happen – but it could have a knock-on effect on their business in the summer.
      That’s because Financial Fair Play restrictions will limit the amount the club can spend, with Newcastle likely lining up targets for the summer who may not be available this month.
      Newcastle will reportedly save any business they do until later in January – that could allow other clubs to swoop for Phillips.
      Crystal Palace and Fulham have been linked to the former Leeds ace and would be able to offer regular game time ahead of the Euros this summer.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Phillips has also attracted interest on the continent with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain also eyeing a loan deal.
      City would likely prefer a permanent sale and use the money they get for Phillips on signing Fulham star Joao Palhinha. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag’s agent ruffling feathers at Man Utd with approaches to academy stars amid growing transfer influence

      by

      DONNY VAN DE BEEK has been put out of his misery at Manchester United by joining Eintracht Frankfurt on loan.Arriving from Ajax in a £40million deal in 2020 and on wages of £125,000 a week, Van de Beek is one of many recent disasters at Old Trafford.
      Donny van de Beek has been put out of his misery at Manchester United by joining Eintracht Frankfurt on loanCredit: Getty
      Manager Erik ten Hag has been rightly hammered for his terrible moves in the transfer market, most notably winger Antony (£85.5m) midfielder Casemiro (£70m) and keeper Andre Onana (47.2m).
      England midfielder Mason Mount (£60m) has been hit with injuries and £72m forward Rasmus Hojlund is a raw talent.
      Even so, former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must still take a huge amount of blame for his own poor signings — and United are still paying the price.
      While there were other people in the background, including the recruitment department, United did not sign a single player without the nod from Ole.
      READ MORE IN football
      So on top of Van de Beek, the arrivals of Jadon Sancho, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the return of Cristiano Ronaldo were all signed off by the Norwegian.
      Mind you, Solskjaer also bought some poor players at Cardiff.
      Yesterday marked ten years since he took over in South Wales and club owner Vincent Tan made it clear his lucky number was eight.
      Ole’s first signing was Magnus Wolff Eikrem from Heerenveen, a midfielder the coach had worked with at Molde.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Maybe it was a handy coincidence that Eikrem’s birthdate was August 8.
      However, back at United and you would still rate Ten Hag’s record in the transfer market — considering the sums spent — worse than Solskjaer’s.
      There has also been alarm over his agent, Kees Vos, and his growing involvement in transfers at the club.
      Vos’ Sports Entertainment Group represent Hojlund, who joined the agency a month before the United deal went through.
      They also acted on behalf of United during negotiations to bring Sofyan Amrabat on loan from Fiorentina.
      Equally, SunSport understands that SEG have ruffled the feathers of the agents of some of United’s younger players in the academy.
      SEG, as does happen in football, have tried to get the players to leave their current agents and move over to them instead.
      Erik ten Hag has been rightly hammered for his terrible moves in the transfer marketCredit: AFP
      There has been alarm over Ten Hag’s agent Kees VosCredit: Instagram / keesvosseg More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      How Man Utd keeper Andre Onana could miss ZERO games for his club side despite Cameroon Afcon call-up

      by

      ANDRE ONANA is set to join up with the Cameroon squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations later this month.But Manchester United want to keep him for as long as possible.
      Andre Onana could avoid missing any Man Utd gamesCredit: Getty
      The goalkeeper is set to be available for United’s FA Cup third-round clash with Wigan on Monday.
      However, according to the Mail, Erik ten Hag wants him to stay at Old Trafford for another week so that he can take part in next weekend’s match against Tottenham.
      The Red Devils face Spurs on January 14 – just one day before Cameroon’s opening Afcon match against Guinea.
      Should he play in the Premier League match, Onana will then have less than 24 hours to catch a seven-hour flight to Ivory Coast in time for Monday’s game.
      Read More on Football
      Cameroon’s final group game is against Gambia on January 23.
      If Rigobert Song’s side are eliminated by that time, the goalkeeper could potentially return to Manchester in time for the FA Cup fourth round – assuming United defeat Wigan – meaning he would not have missed any games.
      However, if Cameroon make it to the final, Onana could miss up to four games.
      The 27-year-old has featured in every Man Utd match so far this season.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s No2, Altay Bayindir, is yet to make his first team debut.
      The Turkish international joined the Red Devils in a £4.3million transfer on deadline day. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jadon Sancho ‘on verge of joining Champions League giants in loan transfer with Man Utd talks very advanced’

      by

      JADON SANCHO is in advanced talks to leave Manchester United on loan. The winger – who joined in 2021 for £73million from Borussia Dortmund – has been frozen out of the squad since September.
      Jadon Sancho could leave Man Utd on loanCredit: Getty
      Sancho’s exclusion followed a public row with Erik ten Hag, and after the winger refused to apologise he was banished from the side.
      It leaves United looking to offload the England star, and according to Sky Sports in Germany, Dortmund are in talks to re-sign Sancho.
      The two clubs are back in negotiations for a loan deal with Dortmund paying a fee and United helping to cover his £350,000-per-week wages.
      Sancho is believed to be pushing for a return to Germany, where made 137 appearances with 50 goals.
      READ MORE IN football
      And he could be at Dortmund’s training base as early as this week.
      The 23-year-old has not played for United since August having been dropped for the 3-1 away loss at Arsenal.
      And Ten Hag spoke out to reveal Sancho was dropped due to performances in training.
      The ex-England international took to social media to defend himself and claimed he was being used as a “scapegoat”.
      Most read in Football

      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      But after refusing to apologise to Ten Hag it has seen Sancho frozen out of the United setup.
      United had been struggling to find a buyer for the misfit due to his high wages and the club’s refusal to send him to a Premier League rival.
      But Dortmund’s newfound interest in Sancho offers both the club and team a lifeline. More