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    Napoli ‘make contact with Man Utd over Rasmus Hojlund deal that would open door to stunning swap transfer’

    MANCHESTER UNITED striker Rasmus Hojlund has emerged as a target for Napoli, according to reports.The 22-year-old is being heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford prior to the summer window.Napoli are considering a swoop for Rasmus HojlundCredit: AlamyMan Utd could attempt to sign Victor Osimhen as a replacementCredit: GettyHaving scored just eight goals in 39 appearances for United so far this season, the striker has failed to impress new head coach Ruben Amorim and the club hierarchy.He was even listed among the group of “inherited” players that Sir Jim Ratcliffe considered to be “not good enough” during an interview last week.As the co-owner plots a rebuild, Hojlund is expected to be let go for a fraction of the £72million fee they paid for him.Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport has claimed that Napoli want to sign him.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMan Utd allegedly want £50m for the striker, who is understood to be open to a return to Italy.Napoli believe that convincing Hojlund to complete the switch will not be difficult.Should the Denmark international swap United for Napoli this summer, it may open the door for a huge swap deal that could see Victor Osimhen head the other way.The 26-year-old was loaned out to Galatasaray last year after being axed from the Napoli squad.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHojlund has struggled to impress this seasonHe is set to return to Naples at the end of the season but will likely be sold before the 2025-26 campaign kicks off.And talkSPORT has reported that Osimhen could become a target for United.Man Utd legend spotted consoling Rasmus Hojlund and giving Man Utd striker pep talk after 14-minute cameo vs Arsenal Transfer journalist Alex Crook said: “I think (Victor) Osimhen is the most likely because I think he’s going to be available for the type of price that United can afford.”I think his wage demands have come down from where they were a year ago, obviously he’s been playing in Turkey, and I think he has that proven pedigree.”So it wouldn’t surprise me if Hojlund goes back to Italy, and there’s interest from the likes of Napoli I’m told, and Osimhen comes in the opposite direction.”Osimhen has scored 26 goals and provided five assists in 30 appearances this term for Galatasaray.Man Utd ratings vs LeicesterMANCHESTER UNITED leapfrogged Tottenham into 13th in the Premier League by beating Leicester.Rasmus Hojlund was left to run in behind and shoot low into the bottom corner from an angle to open the scoring on 28 minutes.The Danish striker had not found the net since December 12 – a run of 21 matches.Alejandro Garnacho saw a goal chalked off for offside but there was no taking his snap-shot finish off him on 67 minutes.And skipper Bruno Fernandes rounded off the comfortable 3-0 win in style in the closing stages.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Hill rated the Man Utd stars. More

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    ‘My family agreed’ – Gianluigi Buffon’s son Louis, 17, explains why he plays for Czech Republic instead of Italy

    GIANLUIGI BUFFON’S son Louis has pledged to play for the Czech Republic, rather than Italy.His legendary father, 47, played 176 times for the Azzurri and won the 2006 World Cup.Louis Buffon made his first team debut for Pisa earlier this monthCredit: RexLouis, second from right, is the son of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi BuffonCredit: GettyInstead of following in his old man’s footsteps, however, Louis will represent the Czech Republic, where his mother Alena Seredova hails from.Louis, 17, earned his first team debut for Pisa in Serie B earlier this month, playing under his father’s former Italy team-mate Filippo Inzaghi.The winger has been rewarded with a first call up to the Czech Under-18s squad.His side will face England, France and Portugal during this international break.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSUpon receiving his maiden call-up, Louis explained his decision to the Czech media team.He said: “I was very happy to come to the meeting and curious about the different football culture.”I spoke with my family and together we decided that it would be better for my football career and my development as a player to play for the Czech Republic.”My mother, of course, was very happy, but my father was also excited because it was my first call-up for the national team.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSGianluigi began his relationship with Czech model and TV presenter Alena in 2005.The pair wed in 2011, before splitting up three years later.‘Pack it in and retire’ – Watch Gianluigi Buffon commit biggest HOWLER of 27-year career as fans beg Italy legend to quitLouis was born in Turin and is not fluent in his mother’s language.Although he has vowed to keep working on his linguistic skills.He continued: “I don’t speak Czech very well yet, but as soon as I found out I could come here, I started learning it.”I spend about 10 minutes on Duolingo every day.”Louis could come up against the country of his birth while playing for the Czech Republic.But he claims that he would not treat such a match any differently.Louis added: “I was born and raised in Italy, but I think that in order to be a 100 per cent professional and do my job as well as possible, every match has to be important for me, whether it is against Italy or any other national team.”Louis’ mother is Czech model and TV presenter Alena SeredovaCredit: Getty More

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    Former Serie A star who became armed robber before turning life around with acting career dies in his sleep at 39

    FORMER Serie A star turned armed robber and actor Bruce Dombolo has died in his sleep – aged just 39.The Marseille-born midfielder played for Ancona in Italy’s top flight.Former Serie A star turned armed robber and actor Bruce Dombolo died in his sleepCredit: GettyAuxerre academy product Dombolo went on to appear for Italian side Pro Vasto and French club Marignane before falling into crime.He landed a two-year prison term aged just 20, then was jailed for a further eight years for his part in a 2010 jewellery heist.But Dombolo turned his life around, appearing in a series of French TV shows and becoming a Connect 4 champion.He said in 2023: “Some people fall into robbery of their own accord, and sadly I was one such person.Read More on Football”I didn’t think, but instead went to see some friends who were doing stupid things and asked them to include me.”That was how I joined a gang of armed robbers.”Dombolo was released in 2020.  He told French TV: “I was a lad from Vitrolles in Marseille, promised a career as a professional footballer, but I took a wrong turn.”I fell from the academy into the prison, from the stadiums of Serie A into robberies.Most read in Football”But in jail I turned my weaknesses into strengths.  I have since become an actor and producer, and got involved in violence prevention.”My journey proves that anyone can turn their life around, no matter where they are from.”Moment Aberdeen & Dunfermline fans join together to pay tribute to legendary former manager Jimmy CalderwoodTragically Dombolo’s agent told Le Parisien at the weekend that he had passed away in his sleep.Online tributes have since flowed in for the Congolese-origin former footballer, speaking of his “heart of gold,” “talent” and “amazing kindness.” More

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    ‘Killing it’ – Alisha Lehmann risks Instagram ban as stunning Juventus star strips off to see-through lingerie

    ALISHA LEHMANN has pushed Instagram’s boundaries with her latest racy post.The Juventus star, dubbed the ‘World’s sexiest footballer’, boasts almost 17 million followers on the photo-sharing app. Alisha Lehmann has wowed fans with her latest Instagram shootCredit: InstagramThe Swiss star rocked a daring see-through topCredit: InstagramShe paired the look with matching black underwear, risking an Instagram banCredit: InstagramLehmann joined Juventus from Aston Villa last summerCredit: GettyLehmann previously spent three years with Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League.The 26-year-old joined Juventus last year and has bagged 2 goals in 15 games for the Serie A side.Away from the pitch, Lehmann is a model and is Switzerland’s top sporting influencer.And her latest stunning look proved a real head-turner for her legion of adoring fans.READ MORE ON SPORTRocking a see-through black top, Lehmann showed off matching lingerie in the risque post.She captioned the sultry snaps: “Second skin.”One fan responded: “Killing it as always.”Another swooned: “Alisha you look wonderful!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a lovestruck third added: “Sculpted by Michelangelo.”And a fourth said: “Absolutely stunning, ignore the haters Alisha.”Maya Jama and Alisha Lehmann team up to become managers of Baller League team Lehmann joined her boyfriend Douglas Luiz in swapping the Midlands for the Old Lady last summer.But she hit out at their wage differences after the Brazilian penned a £100,000-a-week contract.The Swiss winger told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Everyone would like to have the same salary.”I often speak to Douglas at home about this and tell him it’s not fair.”We do the same job, but he gets paid a hundred times more than me.”It’s something that affects me because I’m a woman. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Obviously, there’s still a long way to go on the path we’re on because there may never be equal pay.”There will have to be a very strong will to make a change in this direction.”Lehmann is dating fellow Juventus star Douglas LuizCredit: instagram @alishalehmann7The star spent three years playing in the WSL for Aston VillaCredit: RexThe glam 26-year-old has amassed a loyal following onlineCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann has almost 17 million Instagram supportersCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7She regularly posts saucy snaps of her glamourous life in ItalyCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is not shy when it comes to the cameraCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann is the most-followed female footballer in the worldCredit: instagramShe is also a Switzerland internationalCredit: Getty More

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    Five clubs Paul Pogba could join with move being ‘finalised’ as former Man Utd and Juventus star’s doping ban ends

    PAUL POGBA is free to return to football after his doping ban officially came to an end on Tuesday.And the former Manchester United midfielder is looking for a new club after mutually agreeing to terminate his Juventus contract late last year.Paul Pogba is free to return to football after his doping ban officially endedCredit: APPogba has been out-of-action for 18 monthsCredit: AFPThe former Juventus star posted a video of him training on TuesdayCredit: Instagram / paulpogbaPogba was initially hit with a four-year suspension last February after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA – but had the term reduced to 18 months after a successful appeal.And the 31-year-old – who always denied any deliberate wrongdoing – can start playing matches again from March 11 following the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling.The French World Cup winner’s last competitive game was on September 3, 2023 when he came off the bench for Juventus against Empoli.But several suitors have registered their interest in Pogba, who even claimed that a deal was being “finalised” with an unnamed club.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPogba posted of video of him training on Instagram today, with the caption: “Someone is back 🔙🔋🐙”.But what are his best options – and which club has already opened the door for him?Manchester UnitedPogba fuelled speculation about a third stint at Man Utd with a cryptic Instagram post in January.The Frenchman first shared a cartoon drawing of himself standing next to Old Trafford hero Amad Diallo in a Red Devils kit.Most read in FootballPogba made 233 appearances for United across two spells at the club.He left Old Trafford in 2022 as a free agent and returned to Juventus, where he was hampered by injuries.But the reality is that Pogba is not the answer to United’s endless list of problems. What Ruben Amorim needs is young blood, that can be nurtured into top talent, not a player who hasn’t kicked a ball in 18 months.Pogba fuelled speculation about a third stint at Man UtdCredit: APPogba shared a cartoon drawing of himself in a United kit next to Amad Diallo in JanuaryInter MiamiAs well as a United return, intense speculation has been given to Pogba joining David Beckham-owned Inter Miami in the United States.Pogba even met with Becks at the club’s MLS opener against New York City in Florida last month.And he also posted a picture of himself looking at Port Miami with the caption: “Let’s see what’s coming…” shortly afterwards.The addition of a player like Pogba would further strengthen Inter Miami’s project, which aims to reach the Club World Cup.If Pogba were to be offered a deal, he would then join forces with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.Pogba even met with Becks at the club’s MLS opener last monthMarseilleA homecoming to his native France is reportedly on the cards as well.And Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has even opened the door for this to happen.De Zerbi has history of signing European football outcasts, including Pogba’s old Man Utd team-mate Mason Greenwood.The former Brighton boss said during the winter window: “I would like to have only champions in my team. “Pogba has always been a champion but honestly, during my discussions with staff, we have never spoken about it.”Marseille director Mehdi Benatia has refused to rule out a move for Pogba in the 2025/26 season.Pogba would be reunited with his old United team-mate Mason Greenwood if he joined MarseilleCredit: GettySaudi Pro LeagueThe Saudi Pro League’s financial power could lure Pogba to follow Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. to the Middle East.Where in the sovereign state he would land nobody, not even him, knows as the league shares out imported talent as a way of keeping things competitive.Pogba could be tempted to link up with top French players like N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema already at Al-Ittihad. And, Al-Shabab, now overseen by former Juventus director Pavel Nedved, could also be a viable option.While Brazilian clubs Corinthians and Santos have also been touted as possible destinations.Pogba could be tempted to link up with top French players like N’Golo KanteCredit: Afp or licensorsFenerbahceFenerbahce was reportedly aiming to sign Pogba during the January transfer window. READ MORE SUN STORIESPogba has previously worked with Fenerbahce’s current manager, Jose Mourinho, during their time at Old Trafford.The French midfielder would be reunited with old midfield partner Fred, too. Pogba has previously worked with Fenerbahce’s current manager Jose MourinhoCredit: ReutersPaul Pogba next club oddsOdds courtesy of bet365Inter Miami 9/4Man Utd 9/2Marseille 9/2Fenerbahce 7/1Al Ittihad Jeddah 10/1 More

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    Gianluigi Buffon’s son, 17, handed professional debut by his former team-mate just two years after Italy icon retired

    LOUIS Buffon, the son of Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon, made his professional debut for Serie B side Pisa.Buffon, 17, was handed his first senior minutes by Gianluigi’s former team-mate and Pisa boss Filippo Inzaghi.Louis Buffon made his professional debut for Serie B side Pisa on SundayBuffon Jr got the nod after impressing for Pisa’s under-17 and under-19The Pisa winger is the son of Italy and Juventus legend Gianluigi BuffonFilippo Inzaghi and Buffon spent most of their careers at JuventusUnlike his legendary father, who made more than 1000 senior appearances as a goalkeeper, Louis operates as a left winger.He was introduced as a late substitute in Pisa’s 3-2 defeat at Spezia, replacing Marius Marin in the 84th minute on Sunday.Buffon Jr got the nod after impressing for Pisa’s under-17 and under-19 sides this season, scoring four goals in 19 appearances.Pisa, who are second in the table, are looking to return to the top flight for the first time since 1991.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDad Buffon retired from football with Serie B side Parma in 2023 at the age of 45.Inzaghi and Buffon spent most of their careers at Juventus and also played together on the Italy national team. It comes weeks after the teenager’s first international under-18 call up.Turin-born Louis recently elected to represent the Czech Republic, where his mother is from, at under-18 level.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLouis would still be available to eventually play for Italy, with only senior competitive caps cementing a national team position for a footballer’s entire career.Dad Buffon played 176 times for his country before retiring in 2018, helping them win the World Cup in 2006.Watch Italy and Juventus goalkeeper legend Gianluigi Buffon prove he is also the GOAT of Rock, Paper, Scissors at ParmaGianluigi is the most capped player in the history of the national team and fourth-most capped European international player ever.The shot-stopper won 28 honours for club and country, as well as over 70 individual awards in his 28-year-long career. Buffon started at Parma in 1995 and won an Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup and Uefa Cup before joining Juventus in 2001.He made 656 appearances for the Bianconeri, winning nine Serie A titles, a Serie B title, five Italian Cups and six Italian Super Cups.Buffon then made a surprise move to Paris Saint-Germain for the 2018/19 campaign, playing 25 times and winning the Ligue 1 title before returning to Juventus.He made a further 29 appearances in Turin while winning a tenth Serie A title before rejoining Parma in 2021. More

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    ‘They wear you down’ – Romelu Lukaku reveals lengths Chelsea went to to get rid of him

    ROMELU LUKAKU has opened up about his Chelsea departure, admitting he was completely frozen out of the squad.The 31-year-old joined Chelsea in a huge £97.5million transfer from Inter Milan back in 2021 – seven years after initially leaving Stamford Bridge.Romelu Lukaku has opened up about his Chelsea exitCredit: GettyThe striker now plays for Napoli having completed a permanent move last summerCredit: ReutersAfter a promising start, his form began to drop and Lukaku quickly fell out of favour as a result of a bombshell interview whereby he revealed he was unhappy.He was subsequently sent out on two successive loan spells before completing a permanent transfer to Napoli for £38m.Now, seven months on from his exit, Lukaku has opened up about what happened in his final months in West London.The Belgium international told Corriere dello Sport: “I wasn’t alone at Chelsea. Aubameyang and Ziyech were also out of the project. Read More in Football”They made us change in the youth locker room. It’s business, the club tells you it doesn’t want you anymore and often also where you’ll end up.”But if you want to leave, even for serious reasons, you don’t have the option. They drag it out until the last moment, they wear you down. “Clubs have relationships with the media, and it doesn’t take much to put a player in a difficult position or create the wrong image. “Believe me, I’ve seen things I never thought I would. One day, I’d like to explain all of this to younger players, who is really working for them and who is working against them.”Most read in FootballThe striker also claimed that he was misinterpreted by fans and pundits during his time at Stamford Bridge.He continued: “In England they had the wrong idea. For them I was lazy, but I never reacted to the attacks.Conference League last 16 draw sees Chelsea face Copenhagen “I am someone who does his job and then goes home. “In Italy the opinion has been reversed, here I am a worker. Now I am better than when I was at Inter.”Lukaku has scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 27 appearances for Napoli so far this season. More

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    Inter Milan manager’s gesture backfires horribly after shock intervention in Champions League penalty decision

    SIMONE INZAGHI’S hand gesture backfired after his chosen player MISSED a penalty against Feyenoord in the Champions League.With Inter Milan 2-0 up, goalscorer Marcus Thuram drew a foul in the box after Jeyland Mitchell clipped the back of the Frenchman’s leg in the 63rd minute.Inter Milan boss Inzaghi’s gesture backfired after his chosen player scuffed a penalty against FeyenoordPiotr Zielinski missed out on the chance of putting Inter 3-0 upCredit: ReutersAfter initially waving on, referee Espen Eskas overturned his decision after being sent to the monitor.The camera panned to Inter boss Inzaghi who was holding seven fingers up to his players waiting near the penalty spot.He was indicating he wanted midfielder Piotr Zielinski to take the spot-kick in the first-leg of their last-16 clash.That’s despite talismanic striker Lautaro Martinez still being on the pitch.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd, in a dramatic turn of events, Zielinski’s limp shot was easy kept out by goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther.Inzaghi’s mistimed intervention came about because No.1 penalty taker Hakan Calhanoglu was sitting on the bench.Zielinski had just returned to the starting line up at the expense of former Manchester United star Henrikh Mkhitaryan.Martinez scored his penalty in Argentina’s shootout victory over the Netherlands in the semi-final of the Qatar World Cup in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was also due to take the fifth spot-kick for Argentina in the final against France, but his country had already claimed a 4-2 win before his turn came.Martinez doubled Inter’s lead in the 50th minute, after Thuram grabbed their opener.Champions League last 16 draw sees Liverpool take on PSG and Arsenal face PSV Zielinski had scored his last two spot-kicks, both in the same game in a 4-4 thriller against Juventus in Serie A in October.Usual penalty taker Halhanoglu has endured a torrid time in 2025 and was benched after coming off injured during Inter’s 1-1 draw against title rivals Napoli. More