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    Real Madrid and Bayern Munich ‘tracking Championship star’, 18, after breakthrough season with promotion chasers

    ARCHIE GRAY is being watched closely by both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as they consider a move for the talented teenager. The European giants have been long-term admirers of the 18-year-old, who has emerged as one of England’s most in-demand players.Archie Gray has been long admired by Bayern Munich and Real MadridCredit: GettyThe Leeds star has been highly-rated for some time at Elland Road – and, with his family connections, he was always going to be a player in the spotlight.Gray is the son of Andy Gray, grandson of Frank Gray and great nephew of Eddie Gray – all former Leeds players.And now the teen has impressed Bayern Munich and Real Madrid scouts as Leeds won 3-1 against Hull City on Monday night. The Yorkshire side have gone unbeaten in their last 15 games and have been on a great run since the start of 2024.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOver the Easter weekend, they took another huge step towards sealing a Premier League return as they moved into second – just one point off leaders Ipswich.Gray has made 35 Championship starts to go with two substitute appearances this season.The midfielder has laid on two assists but is yet to trouble the scorers himself.Though he is one of Daniel Farke’s most important players, he is attracting a lot of interest and catching the eye of Europe’s top clubs. Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 18-year-old committed his future to Leeds last year when he signed on until 2028.The promotion hopefuls have no intention of selling Gray and hope an immediate return to the Premier League will fend off any interest. Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle were keen on a move for Gray last summer, having tried to lure him away before he put pen to paper on a new deal.Gareth Southgate has also praised Gray, saying he is doing “very, very well”, while admitting the Leeds ace is on his radar for a shock call-up to the England set up. More

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    Luis Rubiales detained on arrival at Madrid airport as former Spanish FA chief is transferred to police headquarters

    ‘KISSGATE’ scandal former Spanish FA boss Luis Rubiales was met by police today as he flew back to Spain from the Caribbean.Detectives were waiting for him as he stepped off an Air Europa flight from the Dominican Republic which landed at Madrid’s Barajas Airport just after 10.30am local time.Luis Rubiales has been arrested on alleged corruption chargesCredit: EPARubiales has been embroiled in scandal since his ‘unwanted’ kissing of Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s World Cup victoryCredit: GettySpeculation rose overnight the 46-year-old father-of-three would be arrested and brought out of the arrivals area in handcuffs to be met by an army of journalists and photographers waiting for him.In the end he was driven away in a police van waiting for him on the runway.He is set to be taken to a police station where he is expected to be formally read his rights and handed a court summons as part of an ongoing corruption probe linked to his time as head of the Spanish FA.The investigation focuses on business deals thought to include one to hold the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.READ MORE ON LUIS RUBIALESA judge is expected to question him in a closed court hearing in the coming days before being released on bail pending an ongoing probe.The investigation, led by a judge based in Majadahonda on the outskirts of Madrid, is unrelated to the separate ‘Kissgate’ probe.Last month public prosecutors involved in that case said they were seeking a two-and-a-half year prison sentence over the “unwanted” kiss Rubiales gave footballer Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s World Cup women’s team’s finals victory over England last August.They said in an indictment sent to Madrid-based judge Francisco de Jorge they wanted him jailed for a year if he was found guilty at trial of sexual assault and another one and a half years for coercion linked to his alleged attempts to get the footballer to speak out in his defence following his World Cup kiss.Most read in FootballHermoso recently testified at a Madrid court – a trial has not yet been setCredit: EPACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAround the same time Spanish public prosecutors asked for Rubiales to be arrested over alleged financial irregularities while he was in charge of the Spanish FA.Rubiales’ home in the southern Spanish city of Granada was one of several properties searched on March 20 but he was already in the Caribbean.Disgraced Spain FA chief Luis Rubiales’ mum ‘rushed to hospital’ on 3rd day of her hunger strike over kiss scandalRubiales had already said he would return to Spain and insisted it would be on April 6 but overnight it emerged he had changed his travel plans.He is thought to have avoided an embarrassing arrest, and a photo of him in handcuffs, after confirming his voluntary return ahead of and after a Spanish police operation in the Dominican Republic on Monday with assistance from local officers.He rescheduled his return to Madrid after Spanish police investigators flew to the Caribbean and confiscated his phone and laptop during a reported search of the property he has been staying at on the Caribbean island.Rubiales has denied any wrongdoing in both the ongoing corruption probe and the ‘Kissgate’ case.In a TV interview with Spanish journalist Ana Pastor, set to be screened tonight on La Sexta, he will deny  allegations he embezzled millions of pounds from the Spanish FA and insist: “My money is the product of my work and my savings.”He is also expected to accuse the judge who charged him with coercion and sexual assault over his ‘unwanted’ Jenni Hermoso kiss of manipulation by saying: “I think his way of describing my words is manipulative.”His mother had locked herself in a church in Granada as part of a hunger strike, she was rushed to hospital three days laterCredit: APFurious demonstrations demanded the removal of Rubiales following the World Cup last yearCredit: APA clip of the interview released overnight shows Rubiales, who went to the Dominican Republic earlier this year for work reasons, reacting angrily to claims by Ana Pastor his defence has involved attacking the football player.Pastor was on the same plane as the former Spanish FA chief, who had seat number 25L, and described the flight as ‘eventful’ saying there had been turbulence and several people had fainted.Defiant Rubiales promised to “defend his innocence” after announcing on September 10 last year he was quitting as Spanish FA president following the ‘Kissgate’ scandal. He was subsequently banned from football by FIFA for three years.He tweeted as his resignation decision to resign was made public: “I will defend my honourability. I will defend my innocence.“I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth. Thanks to everybody.”He finished his tweet by posting a photo of the Spanish flag.Rubiales, who had apologised for grabbing his crotch during the post-final World Cup celebrations in front of Spain’s Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, had said in a lengthy statement before announcing his decision to quit: “The spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to carry out a mutual and consensual act, a product of great enthusiasm.“At no time was there any aggression, indeed, there was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy in both of us.”He resigned as Spanish FA Chief in September last yearCredit: ReutersRubiales’ 72-year-old mum Angeles Bejar went on hunger strike at a church in her son’s hometown of Motril near Granada for two days after being rushed to hospital 48 hours into her protest.She said at the time she had launched it to get Jenni to “tell the truth” about the kiss.Speaking from the inside of the church before falling ill, she said: “I just want the truth to be told.“She knows my son is very honest. If she tells the truth everything will be fixed.”No date for his trial over his Jenni Hermoso kiss has yet been announced.Rubiales has not been formally charged with any crime as part of Operation Brody, the ongoing probe linked to alleged irregularities while he was still Spanish FA president.READ MORE SUN STORIESA judge is however investigating him on suspicion of crimes including corruption and money laundering.Overnight respected Spanish daily El Mundo said police investigators have concluded Rubiales diverted at least EUROS 3.8 million (POUNDS 3.25 million) from the Spanish FA to a construction firm that paid him kickbacks through a company controlled by a close friend. More

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    Chelsea FFP woes set to worsen with £72m flop to be sent back to Stamford Bridge after disastrous loan transfer

    KEPA ARRIZABALAGA will leave Real Madrid when his season-long loan expires this summer.The 29-year-old joined Los Blancos in August after refusing a move to Bayern Munich.Kepa Arrizabalaga will leave Real MadridCredit: GettyReal Madrid wanted to sign him on a temporary basis to replace Thibaut Courtois, who suffered an ACL injury during pre-season.When he arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu, Kepa revealed he wanted to seal a permanent move at the end of the season.However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims he will return to Chelsea instead.Kepa has been limited to just 18 appearances this season, with back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin taking his spot in the first team.Read More on FootballReal Madrid officials now want to reward Lunin with a new contract.They are also waiting for Courtois to return from his latest injury setback.Kepa’s return to Stamford Bridge could spell trouble for Chelsea, with the club needing to balance the books due to Financial Fair Play.The Blues could be forced into selling some key players – including Reece James and Conor Gallagher – this summer to comply with FFP regulations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKepa has fallen out of favour at Real MadridBut they will have to accept a huge loss to offload Kepa.The goalkeeper joined Chelsea in a £71.6million transfer from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.Andy Dillon and Will Pugh discuss where Chelsea’s transfer policy has gone wrong, the future of Conor Gallagher and The Blues’ spendingAnd according to Transfermarkt, he is now valued at just £12m.Kepa made 163 Chelsea appearances before leaving for Real Madrid.The Blues have since signed Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic. More

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    Real Madrid reserves score controversial winner as TWO BALLS end up in the back of the net – did you spot how?

    REAL MADRID’S reserve team were allowed to score a controversial winner – despite TWO BALLS ending up in the net.It saw them triumph over Atletico Baleares to win the game 1-0 in the Spanish third division.Nico Paz whipped a free kick inCredit: XA second ball was thrown onto the pitch as Villapalos made contact with itCredit: XTwo balls were in the net by the time the first had crossed the lineCredit: XThe incident took place after Real Madrid Castilla midfielder Nico Paz whipped the ball in from a free-kick, and the ball was deflected by Baleares midfielder Alberto Villapalos into his own net.But just as Villapalos made contact with the match ball, a second one was thrown by a fan directly at him.And with Villapalos outstretched and helpless, the second ball bounced directly off him and into his own net too.That led to the Baleares players to appeal for the goal to be disallowed given that there were two balls on the pitch at the same time.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis would usually lead to the game being stopped.Given the match ball was virtually already in the net when the second ball made contact with Villapalos, the referee used common sense and allowed the goal to stand.Marca asked Spanish refereeing expert Alfonso Pérez Burrull to explain the decision.The ex-ref said: “You have to award a goal. Unless it interferes, you have to consider the goal valid. You don’t have to give value to the trick from the stands.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMadrid fans on X were quick to see the funny side of the incident.One fan posted: “It should count as two goals haha.”Jude Bellingham stunned after journalist asks if he ‘wants to go home with her’ A second fan wrote: “It doesn’t influence the play, so it’s well granted, but what s****y football we have in Spain.”A third wrote: “A joke… if the ball lands half a second before the goal doesn’t count and the brainless [fans] achieve their goal.” More

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    How Man Utd could line up under Zinedine Zidane with Jude Bellingham making shock transfer from Real Madrid

    MANCHESTER UNITED could line up with one of the most exciting teams in Europe if Zinedine Zidane becomes their next manager.The Frenchman has been out of work since 2021 after a second spell with his beloved Real Madrid.Zinedine Zidane has been tipped to take charge at Man Utd this summerCredit: AFPZidane is a huge admirer of Jude Bellingham… and the feeling is mutualCredit: GettyBut he has now been tipped to replace Erik ten Hag at United by former team-mate Julio Baptista.The Brazil icon and former Arsenal loanee told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “I think Zidane will be a Premier League manager someday.“He is an incredible coach with amazing experience having won the Champions League, so I can see that happening.“I can see him going to Manchester United.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDShould Zidane make the stunning switch to Old Trafford, he could target several players to reinvigorate United’s squad.Real Madrid and England superstar Jude Bellingham would likely be top of his list in one of the most incredible transfers in history.The midfielder only moved to Spain for an initial £88.5million from Borussia Dortmund last summer.Bellingham has been nothing short of superb with 20 goals and nine assists in 31 outings.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut the Birmingham legend has made no secret of his admiration for Zidane.And the feeling is mutual, with Zizou saying this week: “Jude Bellingham is spectacular, we are lucky to have him in the Real Madrid. He is very good and I hope he brings many trophies.”Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowShould a mind-blowing deal ever go through, it would likely see Bellingham join new England team-mate Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, with captain Bruno Fernandes completing the triumvirate.Another Real player strongly linked with United is Rodrygo, who is more than capable of finally fixing the side’s problem area on the right wing.And alongside Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, the Red Devils would finally have an attack ready to challenge for the title.As for defence, Andre Onana is unlikely to be on the move any time soon.Indeed, he has the same profile as Zidane’s former Real goalie Keylor Navas, which bodes well for his ball-playing instincts.Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw are unlikely to be muscled out of the backline anytime soon.But it could mean a reprieve for Raphael Varane, who is another player with strong links to Zidane.He still has a year left on his United contract and could fancy a last dance alongside his fellow Frenchman.Varane could be joined by a new centre-back though, with Juventus’ Gleison Bremer long linked with a switch.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis physicality and technical skills would make him an ideal presence in Zidane’s defence.But it would also leave the likes of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans sweating over their futures.Zinedine Zidane’s managerial careerThose brilliant numbers in full…

    Real Madrid Castilla, 2014-2016: P57 W26 D17 L14 GD+30

    Real Madrid, 2016-2018: P149 W105 D28 L16 GD+235

    Real Madrid, 2019-2021: P114 W69 D25 L20 GD+103

    Trophies: LaLiga x2, Spanish Super Cup x2, Champions League x3, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup x2 (Real Madrid) More

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    Luis Diaz’s dad reveals they ‘haven’t lost hope’ of LaLiga transfer amid Real Madrid links

    THE FATHER of Luis Diaz has revealed he has not given up hope of a transfer to Spain.SunSport exclusively linked Diaz, 27, with a shock transfer to LaLiga in February.Luis Diaz has ‘not lost hope’ of sealing a transfer to LaLigaCredit: AFPAnd now the Liverpool star’s father, Mane Diaz, has revealed the Colombian winger is still very much considering a move to Spain as giants such as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid lurk.Speaking to Cadena Ser, Diaz Sr. said: “There was never anything serious with Real Madrid or Atlético.”Liverpool were always more determined and concrete to sign Luis. “We haven’t lost our hope yet…READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Luis is playing well and Spanish clubs are always active in the market.”Diaz Sr. was taken hostage at gunpoint alongside his wife on Saturday, October 28, at a petrol station in Colombia.Diaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was rescued within hours, with Diaz Sr. eventually being released in November after 12 days of being held captive.Diaz joined the Reds from Porto in January 2022 and his contract runs until 2027. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has scored 22 goals and added 13 assists in 86 appearances. This includes 11 goals and five assists this season. Klopp ‘yelled and screamed at’ reporter in off-air bust-up that left people ‘scared’ after storming out of TV interviewDespite being knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United before the international break, Jurgen Klopp’s side remain in the hunt for three trophies this season.They are level on points with Premier League leaders Arsenal and are also eyeing silverware in the Europa League.The Reds have already picked up the Carabao Cup in Klopp’s swansong campaign at Anfield.Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi have both been linked with taking over the manager’s job when the German leaves at the end of the season.Although ex-player Glen Johnson believes the club should appoint England boss Gareth Southgate. More

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    Chelsea and Man Utd transfer moves for French wonderkid set to be hijacked as ‘Real Madrid line up swoop’

    A TRIO of Premier League clubs face a huge battle with Real Madrid to snap up French wonderkid Leny Yoro.The defender is only 18 but is already impressing in his homeland for Lille’s first-team.A host of clubs have entered the chase for Lille’s wonderkid Lenny YoroCredit: GettyHis performances have led to him being dubbed the “new Raphael Varane” due to similarities with Manchester United’s French World Cup-winning ace.We revealed previously how Liverpool were eyeing him up as a potential long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.Man United and Chelsea also have an interest in bringing him to England  while Paris Saint-Germain hope to keep him in Ligue 1. Now Spanish outlet AS claims that Real Madrid are lining up a move to add another teenage sensation to their ranks after securing the services of Endrick – the 17-year-old who scored Brazil’s winner against England on Saturday.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe same outlet also reiterates how Chelsea have been keeping tabs on Yoro and that Bayern Munich have an interest also.But they are adamant that Madrid are in pole position to land him as they look to inject youth in their ageing backline.Lille were determined to hang on to Yoro during the January window and managed to succeed with that but it could prove to be a lot harder come the summer.The French U21 international will be entering the final 12 months on his deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey were originally reported to be holding out for £85m when French rivals PSG enquired two months ago.However, this update states that his price-tag is now £51m.Football icons’ strange hobbiesThat could also make him the most expensive defender to be sold by a Ligue 1 club ever.Paulo Fonseca, his boss at Lille, has already gone on record to state that he expects big things for the starlet.He said: “He’s a very mature player and I think he has a great future ahead of him.” More

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    Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City out to beat Man Utd to £86m transfer for Real Madrid star who could lose spot to Mbappe

    FOUR Premier League giants are ready for a huge tug-of-war transfer fight over Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to reports.Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are all monitoring the 23-year-old Brazilian.Rodrygo has attracted interest from four Prem giantsCredit: GettyWith Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe set to join, Spanish outlet SPORT report the LaLiga giants would be willing to open negotiations on Rodrygo if they receive offers above £86million.Treble-winners City have kept tabs on Rodrygo since his two stoppage-time goals helped to knock out the Prem champions in their dramatic 2022 Champions League semi-final.The winger, whose £205,000-a-week Bernabeu contract runs until 2028, has bagged 13 goals and provided nine assists in 41 Real games this term.United fans are keen on signing Rodrygo, who starred in Brazil’s 1-0 win over England on Saturday.But they could face a challenge for his signature from Arsenal or Liverpool, particularly if Mo Salah leaves Anfield amid links to Saudi Arabia.Interest could ramp up in the summer and Real Madrid already have a ready-made replacement for the forward in 17-year-old Endrick, who agreed a transfer to the Bernabeu in December 2022.However Rodrygo’s future will most likely be determined by what happens with Mbappe.The Frenchman is out of contract in the summer and has been tipped to swap PSG for Real Madrid.Most read in FootballRodrygo has played as a no9 at times this seasonBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut he was expected to do the same two years ago before a dramatic U-turn led him to pen a new contract.Reports claim Mbappe has signed a five-year deal with Real Madrid which includes an £85million signing-on fee.Football stars’ weird phobias More