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      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi Man City transfer back on EXCLUSIVE, Zidane ‘tells Real Madrid players he is leaving in summer’

      by

      LIONEL MESSI is willing to join Man City if they pay him £500,000-a-week after tax, SunSport can reveal.Meanwhile Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is equally up in the air with the Portuguese ace reportedly looking at a Juventus exit.
      And Zinedine Zidane has reportedly told his players he will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.
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      Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
      ED START
      Exclusive by Phil Thomas: Edinson Cavani will hit a six-figure jackpot if he is a chart-topper in his second season at Old Trafford.
      The Manchester United striker agreed a deal to stay for another 12 months, as Sunsport revealed he had been offered a pay hike to £250,000-a-week.
      And the Uruguay forward could earn close to the same again in bonuses if he is in the goals next season.
      Cavani, 34, will pick up an extra £100,000 if he is United’s leading scorer – and a similar amount if he ends up as the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner.
      It is also understood that United will promise the South American a rolling annual review, which could even see him staying in England for another season beyond the next one.
      ALL BARC, NO BITE
      Man City’s hopes of signing Lionel Messi have been rekindled by his new contract offer at Barcelona, SunSport can reveal.
      Messi, who turns 34 next month, has accepted his salary with Barca will be reduced but wants better terms than the two thirds reduction proposed by the Catalans.
      Only Man City and PSG have the post-pandemic clout to match Messi’s terms and staying at Barcelona still appears the most likely option.
      However new club president Joan Laporta is desperate to sign Erling Haaland and could even be willing to dispense with the Messi to push the deal through.
      GETTING MESSI
      Exclusive by Duncan Wright: Manchester City have been told they can have Lionel Messi if they pay him £500,000-a-week AFTER TAX.
      The superstar’s contract with Barcelona runs out at the end of the season and his father Jorge has started the process of deciding where his future lies.
      SunSport understands the 33-year-old is open to the idea of a 12-month contract, with an option for a further year, if a club will stump up £25million-a-year.
      That would make him the best-paid player in Premier League history and the lack of a transfer fee plus the enormous commercial cut gained by signing Messi could make financial sense.

      DOR OPEN
      Manchester United are reportedly in ‘pole position’ for signing Jadon Sancho.
      Sport1 claim the winger is keen on making a switch to Old Trafford as United ‘will remain’ the club of his choice.
      The report adds that talks between the Red Devils and the Borussia Dortmund star’s agent are ‘already underway.’
      REAL PROBLEM
      Zinedine Zidane is set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.

      VARDY PARTY
      A fan-favourite Inbetweeners reference from the man who played in every round of the FA Cup.

      FOX STEP
      Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers shared his thoughts after leading the Foxes to their first ever FA Cup trophy.
      Rodgers told the BBC: “It’s an amazing feeling.
      “I wasn’t aware before I came to Leicester that they hadn’t won the FA Cup. So to be able to give that to these supporters, plus Top [Srivaddhanaprabha] and his family, makes this a special day.
      “It’s a real collective effort at Leicester, from the board, players, staff and supporters. It’s an amazing day for the city.
      “Youri’s [Tielemans] goal was like an old-school FA Cup winning goal, but also Kasper’s [Schmeichel] saves. I thought we were the better team overall. We were super-aggressive and always a threat with the ball.
      “Chelsea are an amazing team but I though we deserved to win. It’s the FA Cup, and as a British coach, it means so much. I’m so proud, but more happy for everyone else. A monumental performance and what a day for everyone involved with Leicester.”
      WHAT THE EK
      Spotify owner Daniel Ek has confirmed that he made a failed attempt to buy Arsenal.

      ‘WIDER IMPLICATIONS’
      Arsenal have spoken to Mohamed Elneny about his pro-Palestinian social media post.
      “As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms,” the club told Sky Sports News.
      “That said we have spoken to Mo about this so he understands the wider implications of his post.
      “As a club we are committed to confronting and eliminating all forms of discrimination and continue to champion the need for equality and diversity across all areas of life.”

      NO SALE
      Arsenal have denied receiving a takeover approach from the club legend consortium led by Spotify founder Daniel Ek.
      The Swedish billionaire, 38, has claimed to be formulating a £1.8million bid to buy the Premier League side from unpopular owner Stan Kroenke.
      Fan protests against the American have escalated since the Gunners’ attempt to join the doomed European Super League.
      Arsenal supporter Ek promptly announced his intention to buy the club with the help of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira.
      But a spokesperson for the North London outfit has denied receiving any official approach.
      Kroenke Sports Entertainment insist they have no intention of letting the club go despite the fan fury.
      ZIZOU OFF?
      Zinedine Zidane has hinted he could leave Real Madrid at the end of this season.
      He said: “It’s not, the only thing about me is that what I do, I do to the end, and then there comes a time when it’s the moment to change.
      “For everyone, not just for me. For the club, for the good of the club, for the people.
      “I don’t leave because it’s easy. It’s not like I turn away and don’t look back. No, there are moments when you have to be there and there are moments when that’s it, it’s finished, it’s time to change. But for the good of everyone, not just for me.”
      CHELSEA 0 LEICESTER 1
      Youri Tielemans glorious strike gave Leicester FA Cup final glory at the fifth attempt as Chelsea had a last-minute goal controversially ruled out on VAR.
      Tielemans hit a 25-yard top-corner special on 63 minutes – before the video assistant referee adjudged Blues’ sub Ben Chilwell millimetres offside when his cross was deflected home by Foxes’ sub Wes Morgan.
      Read SunSport’s match report HERE.

      MOUR SAINTS
      Jose Mourinho wants to take Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin to Italy as part of his Roma revolution, according to reports.
      The former Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham boss will take over the sleeping Serie A giants in the summer.
      It is understood Mourinho, 58, will be given a healthy transfer budget to get the Giallorossi into the Champions League.
      And, according to Corriere della Sera, the Portuguese boss has identified the tricky Toon winger as a top target.

      A STEP TOO VAR
      Manchester United will need to bid £60million to if they want to sign Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, according to reports.
      The Red Devils are believed to be interested in the France international but their rumoured £40m bid will not be enough to sign him.
      According to Spanish newspaper AS, Real Madrid want €70m – around £60m – for Varane, who is out of contract at the end of next season.
      SERGI-GO
      Paris Saint-Germain have joined the race to sign Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, according to reports.
      The Spaniard is out of contract at the end of the season, sparking interest in his signature.
      Several clubs are said to be tracking Ramos, but PSG are most interested in the Los Blancos captain, report AS.

      SAINTS ROW
      Southampton have eased to a 3-1 win against Fulham to inflict further woe on Scott Parker’s men.
      Che Adams, Nathan Tella and Theo Walcott all got on the scoresheet for the Saints.
      Click HERE to read the SunSport match report.
      ARAM AND A LEG
      Man Utd are interested in signing Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri, according to reports.
      The Premier League giants are believed to have made contact with the 25-year-old’s representatives over a possible summer move.
      According to AS, the Red Devils are one of many big European clubs monitoring the Uruguay international.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, however, are said to be the most keen on a move and have made contact with Arambarri’s people.
      The report claims United see him as a player that can complement Bruno Fernandes’ abilities.
      And as Arambarri has a rumoured €25million release clause – around £21.5m – he would come relatively cheap in today’s market.
      There are even rumours that Getafe would accept as little as £17m for the midfielder.
      Mauro Arambarri, 25, is said to be a target for Manchester United
      TO BE FRANK
      Frank Lampard’s “fingerprints” are all over Chelsea’s transformation despite Thomas Tuchel succeeding him in January, claims Joe Cole.
      Lamps’ ex-England team-mate told the Mail: “Tuchel has come in and done an unbelievable job.
      “But you can’t disregard what Frank did – holding the fort during a difficult time, getting the club to a cup final last year, getting Champions League when they had lost their best player (Eden Hazard).
      “He brought in many of these young players in and put £200million of talent on the bottom line.
      “They were going through a bad spell earlier in the season and that’s Chelsea – you know if you go through a bad spell you could get the sack.
      “Frank’s fingerprints will be on this team but you have to credit Tuchel – to come in and have the impact he’s had is extraordinary. 
      “Chelsea is in a really healthy place at the moment so I am very happy, very confident.”
      TEAM NEWS
      This is how Chelsea and Leicester start for the FA Cup final.

      UP FOR THE CUP
      Leicester and Chelsea fans are enjoying a big day out at the football once again as Wembley opened its doors for the FA Cup final.
      Some 21,000 fans are attending Saturday’s clash between the Premier League clubs in the capital.
      It is the biggest crowd welcomed into a live event since the coronavirus pandemic led to multiple lockdowns and games being played behind closed doors.
      Those trekking up Wembley Way were asked to a Covid test in the days prior to the game before a lateral flow test this morning.
      The game itself kicks off at 5.15pm as Leicester look to win their first-ever FA Cup final after four defeats in the showpiece, the most recent in 1969.
      Wembley Way was back in business on Saturday
      ELNENY CONTINUED
      In a statement to the JC, an Arsenal spokesman said: “As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms. 
      “That said, we are speaking to Mo about this so he understands the wider implications of his post.
      “As a club we are committed to confronting and eliminating all forms of discrimination and continue to champion the need for equality and diversity across all areas of life.”
      MO LAUGHING MATTER
      Arsenal sponsor Lavazza are holding ‘urgent talks’ with the club after a controversial tweet from Mohamed Elneny.
      The Egyptian midfielder posted a pro-Palestine message amid the worsening conflict with Israel.
      The Jewish Chronicle reported coffee group Lavazza’s insistence on urgent talks with the club following Elneny’s social media post.
      The post included an image with the text ‘Palestine Lives Matter’ which shows an outline of Israel with pro-Palestine images within.
      The Lavazza Group told the JC: “We’ll immediately reach out to Arsenal to remark we are concerned about the club associated with such a message.
      “Content of this post is totally not aligned with our company values.  Lavazza Group is fully committed against racism and antisemitism.”

      FEEL THE BURN
      Leeds eased to a 4-0 win away at Burnley earlier this afternoon with Spanish striker Rodrigo scoring twice.
      The Whites are now two points behind ninth-placed Arsenal, and four points clear of Aston Villa in 11th.
      Click HERE to read the SunSport match report from Turf Moor.
      FOCUS ON IT
      Alex Scott has been named as the new host of the BBC’s Football Focus, becoming the show’s first permanent female host in its 47-year history.
      The former Arsenal and England star will take over from Dan Walker, who is stepping down after 12 years at the helm.
      The 36-year-old full-back made more than 200 club appearances during her playing career, earned 140 caps for her country and represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.
      Announcing the appointment in a column for BBC Sport, she wrote: “When I was a kid, I would never have watched television and thought someone like me could be presenting a programme like Football Focus.
      “For the BBC to trust me with this role and allow me to be my true, authentic self means a lot.”
      Alex Scott has been named as the new host of the BBC’s Football Focus
      SPURS RAGE
      Furious Tottenham fans called for Daniel Levy to quit in protests outside the stadium.
      Supporters launched flares and unleashed their anger after the recent European Super League controversy.
      Tottenham fans vented their anger against chairman Levy after the recent attempt to take the club into the failed European Super League.
      A Spurs fans’ group snubbed Levy’s offer of a peace summit with Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust turning down the chance to meet him.
      The group insists it wants to meet owners ENIC directly to discuss the implementation of a six-point plan it has compiled “to lead the club into a new era.”
      And fans put up a banner at the protest which said ‘To dare is too dear – ENIC out’.
      Tottenham fans set off flares outside the ground
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Buatsi vs Dos Santos LIVE RESULTS: Buatsi WINS with brutal fourth round KO in Manchester – latest reaction

      by

      JOSHUA BUATSI has secured a crushing victory over Daniel Dos Santos in Manchester.The Brit managed a knockdown in just the second round before finishing the fight with a thumping right hand in the fourth.
      Live results

      Joshua Buatsi beat Daniel Dos Santos (WBA international light-heavyweight title)
      Lerrone Richards beat Giovanni De Carolis (EBU European super-middleweight title)
      Jason Cunningham beat Gamal Yafai (EBU European super-bantamweight title)
      Tommy McCarthy beat Alexandru Jur (EBU European cruiserweight title)
      Dalton Smith beat Lee Appleyard (BBBofC English super-lightweight title)
      Solomon Dacres beat Mladen Manev (heavyweight)
      Ellis Hopkins (debut) beat Borislava Goranova

      EDDIE HEARN CHIMES IN
      Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn is certainly high on Joshua Buatsi, so much so he reckons he can beat WBA light-heavyweight king Dmitry Bivol.
      He said: I believe he can beat Dmirty Bivol.
      “But we need to find that middle ground between Daniel dos Santos and Dmirty Bivol.”
      BUATSI WANTS A QUICK TURNAROUND
      “I spoke to Eddie [Hearn] this week and I think we mentioned June, July time.”
      BUATSI TALKS
      “Most importantly, I want to thank God for the victory.”
      “Secondly, I do hope he’s okay.”
      “We’ll be back [soon], quick turnaround.”

      ONE FOR THE HIGHLIGHT REEL
      Joshua Buatsi will be absolutely buzzing with his night’s work.
      But Just Business’ new coach Virgil Hunter will also be thrilled with the Brit’s picture-perfect overhand right.

      ALL CLASS FROM BUATSI
      Joshua Buatsi has yet to celebrate his stunning fourth-round stoppage of Daniel Dos Santos.
      He’s waiting for the Frenchman to be fully recovered by celebrating his latest defence of the the WBA international light-heavyweight title.
      IT’S OVER!! BUATSI WINS VIA KO
      Joshua Buatsi has just slept Daniel Dos Santos with a vicious overhand right.
      The shot well and truly folded the Frenchman, who is being tended to by the doctors.

      ROUND FOUR
      An annoyed Buatsi comes out like a bat out of hell and cracks Dos Santos with two big left hooks.
      The latter hook knocks Dos Santos off balance and sends the Frenchman stumbling across the ring.
      Buatsi can close the show if he’s more methodical with his approach.
      Just Business is continuing to put Dos Santos on the back foot and is doing good work to the body.

      ROUND THREE
      Dos Santos seems to be reluctant to exchange in the pocket after tasing Buatsi’s power.
      Buatsi lands a big right right but Dos Santos brushes it off.
      Both men trade heavy leather in the corner but Buatsi gets the better of the exchange with a big left hook.
      Buatsi is turning up the pressure. Dos Santos doesn’t like it and ends up rugby tackling Buatsi to the floor.
      No penalty for the Frenchman, but he does get a stern talking to from ref Victor Laughlin.
      The bell goes.
      ROUND TWO
      Buatsi comes out more aggressive in the second.
      A beautiful counter left hook lands for the 28-year-old, who is slowly increasing the pressure.
      Down goes Dos Santos, who was sent to the canvas courtesy of a big right hand.
      The Frenchman beats the count and has cleared his head.
      Buatsi, however, is refusing to allow give him any respite and continuing to walk him down.
      The bell goes. Another round in the bank for Buatsi.
      ROUND ONE
      Buatsi takes the centre of the ring early and is pumping out his jab with great accuracy.
      The Brit looks sharp so far, something that can’t be said of Dos Santos.
      France’s Dos Santos looks happy to be on the back foot and seems like he’s trying to land land a counter check left hook.
      Dos Santos partially lands that hook, although Buatsi’s glove takes most of the sting out of the shot.
      A wild exchange ensues which ends with Buatsi landing a good right hand.
      The bell goes. Round one to the Brit, in my opinion.
      MAIN EVENT TIME
      It’s almost time for Joshua Buatsi vs Daniel Dos Santos.
      This battle of undefeated light-heavyweights should be an absolute corker.
      As they say, somebody’s 0 has got to go.

      STICK TO THE DAY JOB, MATE
      Lerone Richards may’ve put on a masterclass against Giovanni De Carolis, but his singing leaves plenty to be desired.

      SNIPER SHOOTS FROM THE HIP
      The newly crowned European champ says: “I can do this to anyone in the division so I was not surprised.
      “I got it done nice and sexy so we are pleased.
      “There is a lot more to come and now I am in the position to get the fights that will show what I can do.”
      RICHARDS WINS
      The New Malden ace becomes the European super-middleweight champ with a unanimous win over a former world champion.
      The jugdes at ringside in Manchester scored it: 120-108, 120-108 and 119-109.
      Where should Sniper the Boss go next with his unbeaten record?
      ROUND TWELVE
      De Carolis on course to lose every single round in European title fight.
      Richards has made the Italian veteran look like a novice from the opening bell.
      Landslide cards on the way…
      ROUND ELEVEN
      Richards warned over an accidentally low left hook.
      De Carolis is peppered with a few rapid punches that bounce off the Italian.
      Another round in the bank. Yawn
      ROUND TEN
      Richards unloads but De Carolis covers up in the corner and weathers the storm.
      Richards tries to spice things up with a couple of lead uppercuts.
      But De Carolis survives another round, meaning we have to sit through another…
      ROUND NINE
      Richards is running away with this so much it’s getting a little tedious.
      The Italian needs to throw the sink at the Brit but insteads just keeps plodding forward getting tagged.
      Richards drops his hands at the end of the session to celebrate another one in the bag en route to a shut-out points win.
      ROUND EIGHT
      De Carolis’ face is starting to redden after eight rounds of jabbing and prodding.
      De Carolis tries to throw a few digs but is punished again.
      Richards is happy boxing right up close in the pocket but slips and slides away from so many punches.

      ROUND SEVEN
      De Carolis has never looked hurt by any of Richards’ shots but he has no answer for his southpaw jab or reoccuring body shots.
      Richards is right into his flow and making his rival really miss.
      The bell goes as the Englishman bags another 10-9 session.
      ROUND SIX
      Richards like a matador in there, making De Carolis miss and stabbing shots into him as punishment.
      The South Londoner is whizzing digs into De Carolis’ ribs when he tucks up and protects his head.
      The Brit is six rounds up and still in second gear.
      ROUND FIVE
      Richards’ trainer Dave Coldwell reckons De Carolis is losing his temper and getting ragged in the Manchester arena ring.
      Southpaw Richards lands a couple of rasping left hands.
      De Carolis finally scores with a jab as Richards makes his only mistake so far by dropping his hands.
      Richards whips a lead right hand into De Carolis’ ribs right on the bell as the Englishman banks another 10-9 round.
      ROUND FOUR
      Richards running the bout with his right-hand jab.
      De Carolis refusing to rough him up and make it difficult.
      Great one-two down the pipe from Richards stuns De Carolis.
      Finally a bit of excitement.
      ROUND THREE
      Richards paws out a few jabs and then fizzing in a couple of body shots.
      De Carolis is being very negative, walking forward but throwing nothing.
      Richards enjoying this like a sparring session as another predictable session ends.
      ROUND TWO
      Richards is doubling up his southpaw jab in the bumble-bee coloured gloves.
      De Carolis cannot work out how to land anything on his British rival.
      Richards is slowly getting into his rhythm and picking up the pace in Manchester.
      Load more entries… More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Daniel Ek CONFIRMS Arsenal takeover bid lodged, Nicolas Pepe ‘available for transfer’, new kit LATEST

      by

      DANIEL EK has stated that he has lodged an official bid to take over Arsenal.However, he added that the Kroenke family declared that they “don’t need the money”.
      On the transfer front, Arsenal are reportedly willing to sell Nicolas Pepe, should the right offer be made.
      The Gunners have a number of big transfer targets this summer, including Rennes wonderkid Eduardo Camavinga.
      Get all the latest Arsenal news, transfer gossip and updates with our live blog…
      WRIGH OH WHY
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright revealed his dismay at the stark contrast between his old club and Leicester’s heartwarming FA Cup glory.
      The Foxes lifted the trophy for the first time on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Chelsea in front of 21,000 fans at Wembley.
      And Wright told BBC Sport that the moment was ‘magnificent’ – but left him with a touch of ‘jealousy’ as a Gooner.
      The ex-striker, 57, said: “I tell you what, look at him with the players, with the manager.
      “The jealousy I feel, knowing an owner can be like that… Honestly, it breaks my heart.
      “I’m absolutely delighted for Leicester and him. Magnificent, magnificent. Brilliant.”
      FIN LINE
      Real Betis favourite Finidi George has told Nabil Fekir to keep working hard if he wants to earn a move to Arsenal.
      He told Tribal Football: “Nabil is young and he is a good player.
      “If he keeps working hard, keeps his cool and is disciplined, I think he might play for top clubs in Europe.
      “Going to Arsenal or Real Madrid depends on him. I think he has the quality. If he has the mindset, I think he can make it.
      “He has to continue to do his best for his club and hopefully the bigger clubs will come one day knocking at the door.”
      WILL I NEVER
      Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed Arsenal will demand around £30m before they even consider selling Joe Willock this summer.
      Speaking on the Arsenal Lounge, he said: “Arsenal are not going to accept €15 million or €12 million or €20 million.
      “They want around €30 million, €35 million to start negotiations. Let’s see if they can find an agreement.”
      WHAT THE EK
      Spotify owner Daniel Ek has confirmed that he made a failed attempt to buy Arsenal.

      PEPE TALK
      Nicolas Pepe could reportedly depart Arsenal in the summer should they receive a suitable offer.
      Commenting on his future, Fabrizio Romano told the Arsenal Lounge: “The feeling around the player is that Arsenal will try again with him, will try with Arteta also to build this consideration in Europe and let’s see what happens next season.
      “But if an important bid will arrive Arsenal are open to consider, but at the moment it’s really difficult to have this money for this player.”
      ‘WIDER IMPLICATIONS’
      Arsenal have spoken to Mohamed Elneny about his pro-Palestinian social media post.
      “As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms,” the club told Sky Sports News.
      “That said we have spoken to Mo about this so he understands the wider implications of his post.
      “As a club we are committed to confronting and eliminating all forms of discrimination and continue to champion the need for equality and diversity across all areas of life.”
      OUT OF TUNE
      Ian Wright threatened to walk off from BBC’s FA Cup final coverage after Gary Lineker aired his 1993 music video.
      Wright joked about leaving after his timeless attempt at pop stardom was shown on TV.
      Wright joked: “No! Why are you showing this? I’m going, I’m not staying, get it off!”
      Lineker returned the favour on Wright after footage of the BBC presenter’s awkward dancing and miming along in an England Euro 88 song.
      CHELSEA 0 LEICESTER 1
      Youri Tielemans glorious strike gave Leicester FA Cup final glory at the fifth attempt as Chelsea had a last-minute goal controversially ruled out on VAR.
      Tielemans hit a 25-yard top-corner special on 63 minutes – before the video assistant referee adjudged Blues’ sub Ben Chilwell millimetres offside when his cross was deflected home by Foxes’ sub Wes Morgan.
      Read SunSport’s match report HERE.

      NO SALE
      Arsenal have denied receiving a takeover approach from the club legend consortium led by Spotify founder Daniel Ek.
      The Swedish billionaire, 38, has claimed to be formulating a £1.8million bid to buy the Premier League side from unpopular owner Stan Kroenke.
      Fan protests against the American have escalated since the Gunners’ attempt to join the doomed European Super League.
      Arsenal supporter Ek promptly announced his intention to buy the club with the help of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira.
      But a spokesperson for the North London outfit has denied receiving any official approach.
      Kroenke Sports Entertainment insist they have no intention of letting the club go despite the fan fury.
      ICYMI
      Sol Campbell met with England officials on Thursday for discussions over the vacant Under-21s job.
      SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month that the ex-Arsenal defender, 46, had thrown his hat in the ring to succeed Aidy Boothroyd.
      It remains to be seen whether he will get the nod over the likes of current Under-17s chief Justin Cochrane and Liam Rosenior, who are also in the frame.
      Campbell, who won 73 caps for the Three Lions, previously bossed Macclesfield and Southend.
      Boothroyd is leaving this summer when his contract expires after presiding over a second successive group-stage exit from the Euros.
      Prospective candidates have been encouraged to apply as the FA conducts a ‘formal open process’ to appoint the new boss.
      DAY TO REMEMBER
      The Gunners throwing it back to their best ever season on this day…

      NOT WRIGHT DEAL
      Arsenal should not sign Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid on a permanent deal, according to club legend Ian Wright.
      The Spanish midfielder is currently on loan until the end of the season.
      Wright told Premier League Productions: “I don’t think we should be signing Ceballos, I just don’t think he’s what we need now.
      “I think that we’ve got young players coming through who should get an opportunity in front of Ceballos.
      “If he’s going to do anything to stay at Arsenal it would’ve been seen already by now.”
      Wright has not been convinced by Ceballos during his time at the Emirates and believes the club should put their faith in younger players.
      FIN LINE
      Real Betis favourite Finidi George has told Nabil Fekir to keep working hard if he wants to earn a move to Arsenal.
      Previously linked with the Gunners and Liverpool, Fekir has hit four goals for Betis this season.
      And ex-Nigeria international George told Tribal Football: “Nabil is young and he is a good player.
      “If he keeps working hard, keeps his cool and is disciplined, I think he might play for top clubs in Europe.
      “Going to Arsenal or Real Madrid depends on him. I think he has the quality. If he has the mindset, I think he can make it.
      “He has to continue to do his best for his club and hopefully the bigger clubs will come one day knocking at the door.”
      ELNENY CONTINUED
      In a statement to the JC, an Arsenal spokesman said: “As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms. 
      “That said, we are speaking to Mo about this so he understands the wider implications of his post.
      “As a club we are committed to confronting and eliminating all forms of discrimination and continue to champion the need for equality and diversity across all areas of life.”
      MO LAUGHING MATTER
      Arsenal sponsor Lavazza are holding ‘urgent talks’ with the club after a controversial tweet from Mohamed Elneny.
      The Egyptian midfielder posted a pro-Palestine message amid the worsening conflict with Israel.
      The Jewish Chronicle reported coffee group Lavazza’s insistence on urgent talks with the club following Elneny’s social media post.
      The post included an image with the text ‘Palestine Lives Matter’ which shows an outline of Israel with pro-Palestine images within.
      The Lavazza Group told the JC: “We’ll immediately reach out to Arsenal to remark we are concerned about the club associated with such a message.
      “Content of this post is totally not aligned with our company values.  Lavazza Group is fully committed against racism and antisemitism.”

      FOCUS ON IT
      Alex Scott has been named as the new host of the BBC’s Football Focus, becoming the show’s first permanent female host in its 47-year history.
      The former Arsenal and England star will take over from Dan Walker, who is stepping down after 12 years at the helm.
      The 36-year-old full-back made more than 200 club appearances during her playing career, earned 140 caps for her country and represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.
      Announcing the appointment in a column for BBC Sport, she wrote: “When I was a kid, I would never have watched television and thought someone like me could be presenting a programme like Football Focus.
      “For the BBC to trust me with this role and allow me to be my true, authentic self means a lot.”
      Alex Scott has been named as the new host of the BBC’s Football Focus
      PEPE TALK
      Nicolas Pepe could reportedly depart Arsenal in the summer should they receive a suitable offer.
      The Ivorian winger is in his second season at the Emirates, where he has chipped in with 12 goals and five assists in 45 games in all competitions.
      But he has yet to justify his £72million price tag, with the ex-Lille ace failing to nail down a regular starting spot under Mikel Arteta.
      Commenting on his future, Fabrizio Romano told the Arsenal Lounge: “The feeling around the player is that Arsenal will try again with him, will try with Arteta also to build this consideration in Europe and let’s see what happens next season.
      “But if an important bid will arrive Arsenal are open to consider, but at the moment it’s really difficult to have this money for this player.”
      MONEY SAVER
      Arsenal defender Dinos Mavropanos could extend his stay at Stuttgart beyond the summer IF he is not in boss Mikel Arteta’s plans going forward.
      The 23-year-old has impressed whilst on loan in Germany, and could prove a money saver if Arteta was to keep him and use him.
      Stuttgart manager Pellegrino Matarazzo loves him, and said: “He’s our gladiator!
      “He’s a monster in terms of physique. And when he makes a mistake, he hums around some Greek swear words. I like that. He’s just a tough dog.”
      The praise of Mavropanos didn’t just come from manager Matarazzo.
      Sporting director Sven Mislintat weighed in saying: “He (Mavropanos) says very clearly – if he doesn’t play a role in Arsenal’s planning, he wants to stay with us.”
      TALKING TACTICS
      Arsenal Women’s boss Joe Montemurro has discussed the winning tactics behind the Gunners’ title-winning side in 2019.
      Take a look at the clip below.
      Talking Tactics with @MontemurroJoe 🗣Our head coach dissects our title-winning side of 2018/19 🏆Get ready for detail and insight like you’ve never heard before! 🤯— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 14, 2021

      GUNNING FOR MORE
      Arsenal are reportedly ready to bring a handful of players to the club in the summer, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
      Speaking on the Arsenal Lounge YouTube channel, he said: “I can guarantee you 100 per cent that they are working on some positions in particular.
      “Right-back, centre-back, midfielder and number 10, if Odegaard will leave, since February. So they are already talking with people, with agents and with clubs to be prepared.
      “The market this summer will be particular, as always when we have the Euros or the World Cup, the summer will be the end of May or the start of June, they will start something and I expect Arsenal to do something at the beginning of the market.
      “At the beginning of the market, Arsenal will be ready to do something, let’s see if it will be the right-back, the absolute priority is at right-back at the moment, that and the midfield.
      “So I expect that at the beginning of the market they will be close to signing two players in these positions.”
      HEART AND SOL
      Sol Campbell met with England officials on Thursday for discussions over the vacant Under-21s job.
      SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month that the ex-Arsenal defender, 46, had thrown his hat in the ring to succeed Aidy Boothroyd.
      It remains to be seen whether he will get the nod over the likes of current Under-17s chief Justin Cochrane and Liam Rosenior, who are also in the frame.
      Campbell, who won 73 caps for the Three Lions, previously bossed Macclesfield and Southend.
      Boothroyd is leaving this summer when his contract expires after presiding over a second successive group-stage exit from the Euros.
      Prospective candidates have been encouraged to apply as the FA conducts a ‘formal open process’ to appoint the new boss.
      Sol Campbell has been linked with the England Under-21s job
      TRANSFER BATTLE
      Arsenal will reportedly go toe-to-toe with bitter rivals Tottenham to sign Lyon defender Joachim Andersen.
      Anderson, 24, spent the season on loan with the recently-relegated Fulham but impressed in what was a disappointing campaign for the Cottagers.
      The centre-back’s displays for the west Londoners are said to have caught the eye of Arsenal, who are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements following a dismal season.
      But they’re also said to have impressed the Gunners’ north London neighbours Tottenham.
      And according to The Daily Telegraph, Spurs are ‘in pole position’ to sign the Denmark international.
      It’s been reported Tottenham are willing to splash out close to £35million to add Andersen to their collection of centre-backs.
      Tottenham are reportedly in pole position to sign Joachim Andersen
      TAKE XHAK
      Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is reportedly seeking an exit away from the Emirates in the summer.
      The Gunners midfielder could be on of a number of players that could depart North London in what looks set to be a busy window for the Gunners.
      According to The Athletic, the Swiss international ‘intends’ to leave the club he has been at since 2016.
      Xhaka has arguably been Arsenal’s most consistent midfielder this season.
      Should he depart, Arsenal could replace him with either Yves Bissouma or Sander Berge.
      RYAN AIR
      Leicester have joined Arsenal in the bidding war over the departing Southampton ace Ryan Bertrand.
      Bertrand confirmed on Wednesday that he will be leaving St Mary’s once his contract expires on June 30 and a raft of clubs have reportedly shown interest.
      West Ham and Crystal Palace are said to be keeping tabs on the left-back, who will be available for a free transfer in the summer, and the same also goes for Arsenal.
      The Gunners have been long-term admirers and manager Mikel Arteta is believed to still be keen on the 31-year-old.
      According to the Evening Standard, the same goes for Leicester, who were linked with Bertrand last year.
      Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers was reportedly open to reuniting with the player he worked with during his time at Chelsea’s coaching staff.
      NOT THE MAINE MAN
      Jermaine Jenas believes it is right for Arsenal not to offer David Luiz a new contract.
      The Brazilian defender will depart the Emirates after two seasons when his deal expires at the end of the season.
      Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live if he is surprised about the news, Jenas said: “Probably not.
      “Making 30 appearances I wouldn’t have thought it’s based on his age, I know he has had more injuries than he would have liked this year.
      “I think Arsenal do need to start rebuilding. I would imagine David Luiz is one of the higher earners at that football club.
      “And I think it’s a smart move from them to free up some cash and go a bit younger and try and start that rebuild essentially.”
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      Man Utd ‘in Varane transfer talks’, Jadon Sancho ‘dreaming of Premier League’, Erling Haaland LATEST

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in talks with Raphael Varane ahead of a potential move for the Real Madrid star.However, the clubs remain apart in their valuation of the defender, with United reportedly offering £40m and Real Madrid wanting £60m.
      Meanwhile the German press claim Jadon Sancho is dreaming of a Premier League move.
      Get all the latest Man Utd news and transfer updates here…
      ED START
      Exclusive by Phil Thomas: Edinson Cavani will hit a six-figure jackpot if he is a chart-topper in his second season at Old Trafford.
      The Manchester United striker agreed a deal to stay for another 12 months, as Sunsport revealed he had been offered a pay hike to £250,000-a-week.
      And the Uruguay forward could earn close to the same again in bonuses if he is in the goals next season.
      Cavani, 34, will pick up an extra £100,000 if he is United’s leading scorer – and a similar amount if he ends up as the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner.
      It is also understood that United will promise the South American a rolling annual review, which could even see him staying in England for another season beyond the next one.

      DOR OPEN
      Manchester United are reportedly in ‘pole position’ for signing Jadon Sancho.
      Sport1 claim the winger is keen on making a switch to Old Trafford as United ‘will remain’ the club of his choice.
      The report adds that talks between the Red Devils and the Borussia Dortmund star’s agent are ‘already underway.’
      ‘VICHAI WILL BE SMILING’
      Man Utd captain Harry Maguire has tweeted his congratulations to Leicester following their FA Cup final triumph.
      The Red Devils star spent two years with the Foxes before moving to Old Trafford in 2019.

      LOST A BIT OF MAG-IC
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that Manchester United miss club captain Harry Maguire.
      He said: “Harry [Maguire] has been really important for us so of course we’re going to miss him but he’s out so we have to deal with that.
      “It’s about regrouping and building our own confidence again as we have two games and a final.
      “The attitude was right and the focus was fine, we were ready for it. We didn’t build on the good times.
      “We should have gone more for it at the start of the game. Sometimes we let them off the hook and let them play out.
      “Tuesday. We need to find ourselves straight away. We need to build that momentum and confidence. We should go into that final ready.”
      EDS GONE
      Edinson Cavani has launched a scathing double attack on VAR and the failed Super League project.
      Uruguay international Cavani hit out in an interview with South American outlet DosDePunta: “When the Super League came around I told myself: ‘That can’t be possible – if it happens, what can we expect next?’
      “I don’t share its ideas at all. I am not in agreement with it.
      “You mustn’t deprive more modest teams the chance of playing in the Champions League.
      “Or stop average clubs from dreaming of competing with the bigger ones, and having a place among the elite.
      “You can’t deny fans of these clubs the chance to have this experience.”

      MOUR SAINTS
      Jose Mourinho wants to take Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin to Italy as part of his Roma revolution, according to reports.
      The former Man Utd boss will take over the sleeping Serie A giants in the summer.
      It is understood Mourinho, 58, will be given a healthy transfer budget to get the Giallorossi into the Champions League.
      And, according to Corriere della Sera, the Portuguese boss has identified the tricky Toon winger as a top target.
      CHELSEA 0 LEICESTER 1
      Youri Tielemans glorious strike gave Leicester FA Cup final glory at the fifth attempt as Chelsea had a last-minute goal controversially ruled out on VAR.
      Tielemans hit a 25-yard top-corner special on 63 minutes – before the video assistant referee adjudged Blues’ sub Ben Chilwell millimetres offside when his cross was deflected home by Foxes’ sub Wes Morgan.
      Read SunSport’s match report HERE.

      ANT MAN
      A timely reminder of the added quality Anthony Martial will add to Manchester United’s front-line when he returns from injury.

      A STEP TOO VAR
      Manchester United will need to bid £60million to if they want to sign Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, according to reports.
      The Red Devils are believed to be interested in the France international but their rumoured £40m bid will not be enough to sign him.
      According to Spanish newspaper AS, Real Madrid want €70m – around £60m – for Varane, who is out of contract at the end of next season.

      RAF RIDE
      Liverpool have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race for Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane.
      According to the Manchester Evening News, the Reds have held talks with the Frenchman’s entourage about a move to Anfield in the summer.
      Los Blancos could cash in on the defender with the player having just a year left on his contract.
      ARAM AND A LEG
      Man Utd are interested in signing Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri, according to reports.
      The Premier League giants are believed to have made contact with the 25-year-old’s representatives over a possible summer move.
      According to AS, the Red Devils are one of many big European clubs monitoring the Uruguay international.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, however, are said to be the most keen on a move and have made contact with Arambarri’s people.
      The report claims United see him as a player that can complement Bruno Fernandes’ abilities.
      And as Arambarri has a rumoured €25million release clause – around £21.5m – he would come relatively cheap in today’s market.
      There are even rumours that Getafe would accept as little as £17m for the midfielder.
      Mauro Arambarri, 25, is said to be a target for Manchester United
      GREEN GROCER
      Edinson Cavani believes Mason Greenwood can achieve big things in the future.
      Speaking of Greenwood, he said: “I believe that as players, when we reach a certain point in the elite level of the game, as we are today, I think that if you set yourself targets, if you really want something, if you focus on something that you really want to achieve for yourself and for your team, you can achieve it.
      “You can improve, you can grow as a player, you can be even better.
      “It depends on him, as it depends on each one of our forwards.
      “They’re all young strikers who have a long career ahead of them, and it will be down to them how they want to improve and blossom as players.”
      GOAL OF THE DAY
      What a strike this was from Mark Hughes in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final against Barcelona in 1991.
      Take a look at his finish below.

      ALL ABROAD
      Man Utd have boasted some of the finest foreign players to ever grace the Premier League.
      The likes of Eric Cantona, Jaap Stam and Cristiano Ronaldo have all cemented their legacy at Old Trafford.
      Bruno Fernandes is undoubtedly the star man for the current crop of Red Devils, managed by another iconic foreign import Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      But just who are the club’s greatest non-British players?
      United End editor Tom McDermott has already given his say on the club’s best British XI in the Premier League, and now he’s chosen a star-studded line up made up of foreigners.
      Only one player from the current Manchester United side has made the XI
      ZLAT’S ENOUGH
      Former Man Utd striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will NOT be taking part in the delayed Euro 2020 tournament for Sweden in the summer.
      The AC Milan ace will miss out due to a knee injury.
      Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Sweden have decided that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will NOT take part to the Euros.
      “After the announcement of the conservative therapy needed by Zlatan to recover after his knee injury, he’ll be OUT of the Euros. Official.”
      Sweden boss Janne Andersson told Expressen: “It’s sad but Zlatan is gonna miss the Euros because of his injury.”
      MAGUIRE MISSED
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that his side miss club captain Harry Maguire.
      He said: “Harry [Maguire] has been really important for us so of course we’re going to miss him but he’s out so we have to deal with that.
      “It’s about regrouping and building our own confidence again as we have two games and a final.
      “The attitude was right and the focus was fine, we were ready for it. We didn’t build on the good times.
      “We should have gone more for it at the start of the game. Sometimes we let them off the hook and let them play out.
      “Tuesday. We need to find ourselves straight away. We need to build that momentum and confidence. We should go into that final ready.”
      FREDY, SET, GO
      Brazil coach Tite has lifted the lid on why he called Fred back to the national team set-up.
      He told ESPN: “It’s because of his performances.
      “The high level that he has been showing at United, a team that is runner-up in the Premier League.”
      Fred has started 26 top-flight games for the Red Devils this term having forced his way back into the starting XI under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      CAV SOME OF THAT
      Edinson Cavani has revealed why he rushed in to protect Mason Greenwood during the youngster’s scuffle with Gianluca Mancini and Rick Karsdorp away at Roma.
      He said: “There are times when you’re out there when I believe you need to protect and stand up for one of your team-mates.
      “Sometimes because it might be down to a lack of experience on their part, and they might make a mistake. Many times, it is because you believe that a situation that they are involved in during a stand-off just isn’t fair.
      “In that incident against Roma, what I felt was that he was arguing face to face with the Roma defender which is something that can happen in football.
      “The next minute, a third guy came on the scene and began pushing him when he clearly wasn’t part of the original argument. I told him he should keep out of the incident and that’s why I went to help Mason and offer him some protection. 
      “I also tried to separate the players so the incident would calm down. We were in a key period of the game and he could have been given a red card.
      “I got a yellow card for my trouble, but the main thing was really to protect and defend him and to try to prevent everything escalating further.”
      RON HIS WAY?
      Cristiano Ronaldo won’t be returning to Sporting Lisbon in the summer, according to his agent Jorge Mendes.
      This works as a major boost for Manchester United, who are reportedly keen on a reunion with Ronaldo ahead of the summer transfer window.
      The 36-year-old’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, fuelled speculation that Ronaldo could return to Sporting after they won their first Primeira Liga title for the first time in 19 years.
      She said: “I’ll talk to him to bring him back. Next year he will play in Alvalade [Sporting’s stadium].”
      But agent Mendes poured cold water on that prospect, as he remarked: “Cristiano is proud of the title won by Sporting, in fact, as he has publicly demonstrated.
      “But at the moment his career plans do not go through Portugal.”
      BIRTHDAY BOY
      Man Utd legend Patrice Evra has turned 40 today.
      The Frenchman won five Premier League titles during his time with the Red Devils, as well as three League Cups and one Champions League.
      He left in 2014 to join Juventus after scoring ten goals in 379 appearances.

      JAM FILLING
      James Garner is hoping his loan spells at Watford and Nottingham Forest this season will see him be a regular for Man Utd next term.
      Speaking to the Red Devils’ official magazine Inside United, he said: “I’ve been working hard, physically and mentally, and it’s something I’m trying to add into my game.
      “Hopefully, when I come back at the end of the season, I’ll sit down with the coaches and see what’s best for me and what’s going to be best for my development. I’ll take it from there really.”
      Commenting on his dream of being a regular United starter, he said: “I think that’s ultimately the dream.
      “I’ve been at the club since seven or eight and the main focus is to be in the first team and do whatever takes to be with the first team.
      “Like I’ve said, I’ll just keep working hard, keep my head down and have to see what is going to be best for my development. But, ultimately, my dream is to be with the first-team and play for United.”
      FRED DEVIL
      Man Utd midfielder Fred has earned himself a call-up to the Brazilian national team following his fine form.
      The 28-year-old has not featured for the Selecao in almost two-and-a-half-years.
      His last of his 11 outings came in October 2018 where he played 45 minutes against Saudi Arabia.
      Taking to Twitter, Fred expressed his delight at being named in Tite’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.
      He said: “Great joy to represent my country again. Always proud to be summoned. Let’s go again!”
      VAR-CICAL
      Man Utd are reportedly battling Liverpool for the signing of Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane.
      According to the Manchester Evening News, the Reds have held talks with the Frenchman’s entourage about a move to Anfield in the summer.
      Los Blancos could cash in on the defender with the player having just a year left on his contract.
      Real president Florentino Perez recently fuelled speculation the World Cup winner could depart.
      He said: “Varane? I’m happy with our team. But if players don’t want to stay at Madrid they can leave.”
      United are determined to sign a centre-half in the upcoming window as Ole Gunnar looks to find a partner for Harry Maguire.
      DAY AND NIGHT
      RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano has revealed that he nearly joined Premier League giants Man Utd.
      But his parents advised him to ‘think carefully’ about the potential move.
      Upamencano will link up with Bayern Munich in the summer.
      Speaking to The Athletic, the Frenchman said: “I was a young boy. I wanted to sign for them straight away. Manchester United!
      “But then my parents took me aside and said: ‘Let’s think carefully about this.
      “We thought about it for a long time and then decided that going ‘etape par etape’ [step by step] was the best option for me.
      “Everything Ralf [Rangnick] said came true.”
      LLOR AND ORDER
      Manchester United are reportedly preparing a £68million bid for Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente.
      The Red Devils are known to be huge admirers of the 26-year-old, having first targeted the midfielder in January 2020.
      Llorente has been instrumental for Diego Simeone’s men this season with Atletico on the brink of winning their first LaLiga title since 2014.
      The ex-Real Madrid ace – who won the 2018 Champions League with Los Blancos – has chipped in with 13 goals and 12 assists in 43 games in all competitions this term.
      His fine form hasn’t gone unnoticed, and United were reportedly set to turn their interest into a formal offer in March.
      And now the Mirror have stated the Europa League finalists are ready to make a £68m bid to secure Llorente’s services.
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      in Soccer

      Chelsea 0-1 Leicester LIVE RESULT – FA Cup final reaction as Tielemans thunderbolt wins maiden cup for Foxes at Wembley

      by

      LEICESTER have won the FA Cup final after a sensational strike from Youri Tielemans saw them overcame Chelsea.But there was last minute drama as the Blues thought they had equalised through a Wes Morgan own goal.
      However, their hopes of forcing extra time were dashed as former Fox Ben Chilwell was ruled offside by VAR.
      Victory was all the more special for the Foxes with the game played out in front of their adoring fans.
      A 21,000 capacity was in attendance at Wembley today – the highest crowd at a sporting event in the UK since the start of the pandemic.
      Get all the reaction from a sensational FA Cup final here…
      UGLY SCENES
      Fans appeared to boo Chelsea and Leicester City players this evening as they took the knee before the FA Cup final.
      Booing sounds were audible from both sides of Wembley as the Foxes won the competition for the first time in their history.
      Just before play began at 5:15pm this evening, both sets of players took the knee in a show of solidarity against racism.
      The protest, which has become customary at football matches since the resumption of the Premier League in June 2020, appeared to be booed by a minority of Chelsea and Leicester fans.

      VARDY PARTY
      A fan-favourite Inbetweeners reference from the man who played in every round of the FA Cup.

      FEELING THE BLUES
      Daniel Amartey has courted controversy with a new video from the Leicester dressing room.
      Following the Foxes’ FA Cup final victory the midfielder was seen throwing Chelsea’s FA Cup final pennant to the ground.

      SWEET CAROLINE
      Here’s how the Leicester dressing room looked after they won the FA Cup for the first time!

      THE SUN SAYS
      Everything the European Super League wanted to destroy.The greatest cup competition in the world, you’ll never take these wins away from the fans.That’s what football’s all about. #FACup pic.twitter.com/uJPE8eKgJ7— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) May 15, 2021

      BLUE BOTTLE
      SunSport’s Simon Phillips writes: “Chelsea could have played until midnight tonight and they still wouldn’t have scored against Leicester City in the FA Cup final.
      “The Blues folded – and they didn’t deserve to even take this match into extra time.
      “This isn’t saying that Leicester were good because they were ok – certainly not good.
      “Chelsea were just terribly awful – and for a number of reasons.
      “They were playing in a cup final, but you would not have guessed it.
      “The Blues were lacklustre – playing at about 60 per cent intensity – and had no ideas to create or break Leicester down.
      “They were very poor – and even Thomas Tuchel needs take some blame on this one.
      “Yes, Chelsea did score late on with the goal being ruled out for VAR, but even then, you just knew it would be ruled out because it was one of those days for Chelsea.”
      CITY SLICKER
      Riyad Mahrez was another former Leicester City star to congratulate the Foxes following their FA Cup triumph.

      ‘VICHAI WILL BE SMILING’
      Man Utd captain Harry Maguire has tweeted his congratulations to Leicester following their FA Cup final triumph.
      The Red Devils star spent two years with the Foxes before moving to Old Trafford in 2019.

      LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
      Leicester fans have voted Kasper Schmeichel their Man of the Match following two sensational saves against Chelsea.
      Youri Tielemans was second after his brilliant strike secured the FA Cup for the Foxes.
      Heroes all over the pitch.Who gets your vote for the @SyinixKE Man of the Match? 🦊🏆— Leicester City (@LCFC) May 15, 2021

      MORE FROM TUCHEL
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel didn’t seem to be questioning VAR’s decision to overrule the Blues’ equaliser, but insists they were “unlucky” regardless.
      Here’s what Tuchel told BT Sport: “I think we are just unlucky today. I don’t see why Leicester should win this game except for a shot in the top corner from out of nothing.
      “I thought we controlled the counter-attacks excellent, I thought we controlled the strikers and midfield excellent, we did not allow one chance, one half-chance, nothing. We had maybe a sure goal with [Cesar] Azpilicueta only for someone to deflect it in front of him, we were a bit too hectic in decision-making, we had many situations.
      “In the second half we had total control, we concede a goal out of nothing, we had a big save from [Kasper] Schmeichel and a narrow decision for offside, so altogether it’s super-unlucky. It can happen in football. If it happens in a final it is not good, we are disappointed, but there is no need to be angry with anybody.
      “We wanted it a bit too much, we were a bit hectic, our decisions were not so good as normal, but I am not angry at them. We deserved to score, and for me it is much more 1-0 for us than 1-0 for them, but this can happen in football and you accept it. Once you enter a final there is no guarantee”
      GETTY IMAGES
      TUCHEL REACTS
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is satisfied with his players’ performance and suggested that the FA Cup Final came down to luck.
      Tuchel said: “We are disappointed and not angry with our performance from the boys. I think the performance is enough to win it. I think today we were unlucky and we’ve never hidden that we need to have that to win at this level. You need momentum, decision making, little details, the referee.
      “I think we defended well, counter-pressed well, didn’t allow counter-attacks by one of the best counter-attacking sides in Europe.
      “Our decision making in the first half was too hectic, we tried to force the solution. We created two against two and three against three situations that were more promising than we made of it.
      “We had a big chance with Azpi [Cesar Azpilicueta] and in the second half we controlled the game. We conceded a goal from nothing. It’s a fantastic goal and a lucky goal. We have a chance from Mason [Mount], an offside goal that was very close. We were unlucky today”
      GETTY IMAGES
      MORE FROM RODGERS
      Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers admits the FA Cup triumph “hasn’t quite sunk in yet”.
      Rodgers defeated his former team Chelsea, where he used to work as a head coach in the academy and reserve team.
      The 48-year-old has come a long way in his career and has established himself as a top Premier League boss.
      Here’s what he told BT Sport:

      RODGERS REACTS
      Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers shared his thoughts after leading the Foxes to their first ever FA Cup trophy.
      Rodgers told the BBC: “It’s an amazing feeling.
      “I wasn’t aware before I came to Leicester that they hadn’t won the FA Cup. So to be able to give that to these supporters, plus Top [Srivaddhanaprabha] and his family, makes this a special day.
      “It’s a real collective effort at Leicester, from the board, players, staff and supporters. It’s an amazing day for the city.
      “Youri’s [Tielemans] goal was like an old-school FA Cup winning goal, but also Kasper’s [Schmeichel] saves. I thought we were the better team overall. We were super-aggressive and always a threat with the ball.
      “Chelsea are an amazing team but I though we deserved to win. It’s the FA Cup, and as a British coach, it means so much. I’m so proud, but more happy for everyone else. A monumental performance and what a day for everyone involved with Leicester”
      GETTY IMAGES
      KEL-ING IT
      This is a night of celebration for the city of Leicester.
      But not sure how many are going to party like Kelechi Iheanacho.
      However, Iheanacho deserves this moment as he’s been very influential in this season’s FA Cup campaign.
      The striker registered four goals and one assist in all of his six matches in the competition

      REACHING THE TOP
      We have seen the relationship between elite club owners and players, managers as well as fans getting fractured in recent weeks following the European Super League fiasco.
      But then there is Leicester and their chairman Aiyawatt ‘Khun Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha who has worked wonders at King Power Stadium with his family.
      Khun Top saw his late father Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha do the unthinkable and lead the club to Premier League glory in 2016.
      Vichai’s son is continuing his work as he just took Leicester to their first ever FA Cup trophy.
      That’s what happens when the hierarchy love and take care of their club

      GETTY IMAGES
      TOP TRIBUTE
      Leicester star Youri Tielemans scored the winner in the FA Cup Final and was named Man of the Match.
      Tielemans dedicated his goal and victory to the fans as well as chairman Aiyawatt ‘Khun Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha.
      The star midfielder also paid tribute to Khun Top’s late father Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who was in charge when the Foxes became Premier League champions five years ago.
      Here’s what the Belgium international had to say:

      VARDY PARTY
      Leicester star Jamie Vardy took a couple of minutes out of the ongoing party to give an interview to BT Sport’s Des Kelly.
      However, the discussion was cut short by Foxes captain Kasper Schmeichel who pulled his team-mate away on camera for the trophy celebration.
      That’s one way to leave an interview…
      Check it out:

      CAMPEONES
      Leicester have won their first ever FA Cup trophy!
      Kasper Schmeichel lifted the trophy with legendary captain Wes Morgan, who wore the armband in the Premier League triumph five years ago.
      The Foxes have built something incredible with a fantastic manager in Brendan Rodgers, a raft of talented players like Schmeichel, Jamie Vardy, Youri Tielemans, James Madisson and more as well as a strong bond with the community.
      What a moment!

      GETTY IMAGES
      SCHMEICHEL REACTS
      Leicester captain Kasper Schmeichel was one of the team’s biggest heroes in the final thanks to some crucial saves.
      Here’s what Schmeichel told BBC Sport: “I am so happy; I cannot begin to describe it. What a day!
      “Amazing, indescribable, this is what dreams are made of. I have dreamt of this since I was a child. What a performance today, the grit and determination, I am so proud of everybody.
      “When you work together and do things properly this is what you can achieve”
      GETTY IMAGES
      WASN’T MEANT TO BEN
      Here’s why Chelsea’s equaliser was overruled by VAR.
      Chelsea ace Ben Chilwell appears to be a fraction offside after picking up Thiago Silva’s ball down the left flank.
      Chilwell then got the ball past Kasper Shmeichel and Caglar Soyuncu’s clearance hit Wes Morgan before ending in the back of the net.
      Check it out:

      LAST KASP SAVE
      As mentioned below, Leicester have a lot to thank goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel for.
      Schmeichel denied a header by former team-mate Ben Chilwell in the second half.
      But the Denmark international’s biggest save occurred later when he blocked a neat shot by Mason Mount.
      Check it out:

      STATS
      Leicester won the FA Cup even though Chelsea dominated 64 per cent of possession in the final.
      The Foxes registered a total of six shots, with only one of them being on target.
      The Blues, on the other hand, got 13 shots but only three of them were on target.
      Leicester have a lot to thank Kasper Schmeichel for as he made three crucial saves in the final.
      More below:

      FT: CHELSEA 0-1 LEICESTER
      Leicester won their first ever FA Cup title after beating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley Stadium!
      In what was a dramatic second half, following a hapless first 45 minutes, the Foxes scored the winner with a screamer by Youri Tielemans.
      Tielemans picked up the ball from 30 yards and fired a sensational shot which hit Kepa Arrizabalaga’s top right corner after 63 minutes.
      Chelsea thought they equalised on 89 minutes following an own goal by Wes Morgan, which was overruled by VAR as Ben Chilwell was caught offside in the build-up

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      LEICESTER HAVE JUST WON THEIR FIRST EVER FA CUP!!!!!
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      Chelsea vs Leicester LIVE: Stream free, TV channel, score, kick-off time, and teams – FA Cup final latest as Kepa starts

      by

      CHELSEA are taking on Leicester in the FA Cup final and Thomas Tuchel has decided to stick with Kepa in the starting line-up.The Blues’ record signing came lost his place under former boss Frank Lampard but edges out Edouard Mendy for today’s game.
      Tuchel has been with the Blues for less than four months but has a chance to win a first trophy as their manager today.
      Leicester meanwhile have not reached an FA Cup final since 1969 and have never won the competition.
      But they’ll have their fans at Wembley supporting them today, with the match to be played in front of 21,000 supporters of both teams.
      That’s the highest capacity in UK sport since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

      The FA Cup final will kick off at 5.15pm BST.
      Chelsea vs Leicester is live for free on BBC One in the UK. You can also watch on BT Sport.
      If you want to live stream, the BBC iPlayer and BT Sport apps will allow you to watch on your mobile, tablet or laptop.
      You can also get a three-month free trial of BT Sport if you have an EE phone contract or get it included if you have Smart Benefits.
      Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger, James, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso, Ziyech, Werner, Mount
      Leicester XI: Schmeichel, Castagne, Soyuncu, Evans, Fofana, Thomas, Ndidi, Tielemans, Perez, Iheanacho, Vardy

      THAT’S A KEEPER
      This is a big day for Leicester star Kasper Schmeichel…
      It’s also a big day for goalkeepers in English football.
      Schmeichel is the first keeper to start as captain since David James for Portsmouth in 2010.
      More below:

      KEL-ING IT
      Jamie Vardy is Leicester’s top danger man but Kelechi Iheanacho has been a major force in the FA Cup.
      Since the start of the 2015-2016 campaign, Iheanacho has scored more FA Cup goals than any other player.
      The striker has netted a total of 14 crackers, which means Chelsea will have to keep an extra eye on the Nigeria international.
      The ex-Manchester City ace has registered a total of 18 goals and seven assists in 36 matches across all competitions this season
      GETTY IMAGES
      NICE TUCH
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel makes history tonight as he becomes the first ever German manager to coach in an FA Cup Final.
      Tuchel has turned things around ever since replacing Frank Lampard at the Blues’ dugout in January as he has won a whopping 17 out of all his 26 matches across all competitions, of which he has only lost a mere three.
      The 47-year-old boss has also amassed 11 clean sheets out of all of his 17 Premier League matches, which makes the west Londoners one of the toughest teams to score against.
      However, he has never faced Leicester before and today marks his first ever meeting with Brendan Rodgers in all of his 14 years in management.
      Tuchel told BT Sport before the game: ““I’ve had worse days in my life, clearly, it cannot get much better than this.
      “I’m grateful to arrive in the maybe the most prestigious cup final in the world with a strong team and strong club. It’s quite a big day, but the job is not finish. We absolutely want to win, we arrive to win, it’s going to be tough, but the mindset is clear. We want the trophy.
      “We cannot get the points back from Wednesday’s defeat to Arsenal, but we can play sharper and show we learned a lesson. It’s a cup final, we want to be at our very best, and we will have to against a strong Leicester side”
      GETTY IMAGES
      LEICESTER FORMATION
      Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers appears to have opted for a 4-3-3 as well with only one change to the team that beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
      Kasper Schmeichel starts in goal with Wesley Fofana, Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans, who replaces Marc Albrighton, in defence.
      Timothy Castagne starts as a right wing-back with Luke Thomas on the other side, while Youri Tielemans and Wilfred Ndidi link up in defence.
      Ayoze Perez, Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy lead the attack
      CHELSEA FORMATION
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel appears to have opted for a 3-4-3 formation with five changes to the team that lost to Arsenal at home on Wednesday.
      Kepa Arrizabalaga starts in goal with captain Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger, who replaces Kurt Zouma, in defence.
      Reece James plays as right wing-back with Marcos Alonso, on for Ben Chilwell on the other side, while Jorginho and N’Golo Kante, who takes Billy Gilmour’s place, team up in midfield.
      Masoun Mount, Timo Werner, who replaces Christian Pulisic, and Hakim Ziyech, who takes Kai Havertz’s place, lead the attack
      LEICESTER SUBS
      12 Ward, 5 Morgan, 18 Amartey, 21 Ricardo, 20 Choudhury, 24 Mendy, 26 Praet, 10 Maddison, 11 Albrighton.
      CHELSEA SUBS
      16 Mendy, 21 Chilwell, 33 Emerson, 15 Zouma, 23 Gilmour, 29 Havertz, 20 Hudson-Odoi, 10 Pulisic, 18 Giroud
      LEICESTER XI
      1 Schmeichel; 27 Castagne, 4 Soyuncu, 6 Evans, 3 Fofana; 33 Thomas, 25 Ndidi, 8 Tielemans; 17 Perez, 14 Iheanacho, 9 Vardy

      CHELSEA XI
      1 Kepa; 28 Azpilicueta, 6 Silva, 2 Rudiger; 24 James, 7 Kante, 5 Jorginho, 3 Alonso; 22 Ziyech, 19 Mount, 11 Werner

      THE TEAM SHEETS ARE IN!!!
      FANS ARE BACK
      The FA Cup Final won’t be taking place with empty stands at Wembley Stadium as a total of 21,000 fans will be in attendance.
      That means that the legendary ground, which holds up to 90,000 fans, will be at an approximate 23 per cent capacity for the clash between Chelsea and Leicester.
      The allocation is made up of supporters from both teams as well as local residents and NHS staff, who were offered tickets as a way of saying thank you for their tireless work during the coronavirus pandemic.
      But the supporters had to take a Covid-19 test two or three days prior to the match before another one on the day of the final.
      Fans were also allowed to attend last month’s Carabao Cup Final between eventual winners Manchester City and Tottenham, although Wembley that day was at 8,000 capacity

      GETTY IMAGES
      GATTY IMAGES
      GETTY IMAGES
      LEICESTER STATS
      Leicester are third in the Premier League table with two points separating them from fourth-placed Chelsea.
      The Foxes have been impressive in the FA Cup as they have scored 12 goals, one more than the Blues, and conceded a mere two.
      Brendan Rodgers’ men have won 20 out of 36 Premier League matches and lost 10, which makes it the joint-worst return of the top four.
      Leicester have scored a total of 65 goals and conceded 44, which means that Kasper Schmeichel has picked up the ball out of his own net more times than anyone else in the top five
      GETTY IMAGES

      CHELSEA STATS
      Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League table with four points separating them from fifth-placed Liverpool and two from third-placed Leicester, whom they will also face in the Premier League at home on Tuesday.
      The Foxes have their work cut out as the Blues hold the joint-highest number of clean sheets (18) in the Premier League and have only conceded one goal in all of their five FA Cup matches, where they have scored 11 goals.
      The west Londoners have won a total of 18 out of 36 matches in the Premier League where they have lost eight times, which is the joint-worst return of the top four.
      However, they have scored a total of 55 goals in the top flight and conceded a mere 33, which is the second lowest tally behind Manchester City
      GETTY IMAGES
      HEAD -TO-HEAD
      Chelsea and Leicester’s first ever encounter took place way back in 1905 during a second division match in the East Midlands that the Blues won 1-0.
      Since then, the two sides have faced off a total of 118 times across all competitions with the west Londoners winning a majority of 57 games, compared to the Foxes’ 27 victories.
      The two Premier League giants have met nine times in the FA Cup and Chelsea won seven of the exchange whereas Leicester have yet to beat their Wembley opponents in the competition.
      The Blues overcame Brendan Rodgers’ men in the sixth round last year with a score of 1-0 thanks to Ross Barkley’s winner.
      However, Leicester should still be feeling confident as they defeated Thomas Tuchel’s men 2-0 in their Premier League clash five months ago in Frank Lampard’s penultimate match in charge

      TEAM NEWS
      It is a glorious day at Wembley as a total of 21,000 supporters return to the stands for this major clash between the Blues and the Foxes after a long absence due to the coronavirus pandemic.
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will get the opportunity to win his first piece of silverware in west London after turning things around at Stamford Bridge five months ago when he replaced Frank Lampard at the helm.
      But Tuchel is facing the prospect of missing midfield star N’Golo Kante, who’s suffering Achilles trouble that kept him out of the midweek defeat by Arsenal.
      Andreas Christensen also poses as a doubt as he is dealing with a tendon problem and the same goes for Mateo Kovacic after his recent bout with a hamstring injury.
      Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, on the other hand, will be without long-term absentees Harvey Barnes and James Justin who are both out with a knee injury.
      Meanwhile, Jonny Evans is hoping to recover in time from a recent foot injury while star midfielder James Maddison is expected to return to the starting line-up after overcoming a hip problem
      GETTY IMAGES
      FAN-TASTIC
      Isn’t this a sight for sore eyes?
      The first fans descending on Wembley after over 14 months without watching their teams.
      These Leicester City supporters have already seen their team cause arguably the biggest shock in football history by lifting the Premier League title in 2016.
      And they’ll be looking for their team to defy expectations once again as they face Champions League finalists Chelsea.

      BLUE IS THE COLOUR
      It’s a battle of the Blues as Chelsea take on Leicester in the FA Cup final.
      The West Londoners are looking for a first trophy under Thomas Tuchel as they take on the Foxes at Wembley.
      And with victory they can go one better than they managed under Frank Lampard when they were edged out 2-1 in last year’s final.
      Leicester meanwhile have not appeared at an FA Cup final since 1969.On that day, they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City.
      But the club has big ambitions and are looking for a first trophy under Brendan Rodgers.
      This match will also mark the largest capacity at an English football match since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis last year.
      21,000 fans will be out in force cheering their teams on at Wembley today.
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      Man Utd in for £16m Arambarri, Sancho for Lingard transfer swap EXCLUSIVE, Keane slams Bruno Fernandes, Haaland updates

      by

      JESSE LINGARD could be used as bait in Manchester United’s pursuit of Jadon Sancho, SunSport can exclusively reveal.Dortmund are keeping tabs on 28-year-old Lingard and are big admirers – which United may use in a move for one of their top targets in Sancho.
      The 21-year-old ex-Man City ace is high on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wish list again, after a failed swoop last summer.
      The German giants are understood to want £100m – but that price could be brought down with the inclusion of Lingard.
      Get all the latest Man Utd news and transfer updates here…
      ARAM AND A LEG
      Man Utd are interested in signing Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri, according to reports.
      The Premier League giants are believed to have made contact with the 25-year-old’s representatives over a possible summer move.
      According to AS, the Red Devils are one of many big European clubs monitoring the Uruguay international.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, however, are said to be the most keen on a move and have made contact with Arambarri’s people.
      The report claims United see him as a player that can complement Bruno Fernandes’ abilities.
      And as Arambarri has a rumoured €25million release clause – around £21.5m – he would come relatively cheap in today’s market.
      There are even rumours that Getafe would accept as little as £17m for the midfielder.
      Mauro Arambarri, 25, is said to be a target for Manchester United
      GREEN GROCER
      Edinson Cavani believes Mason Greenwood can achieve big things in the future.
      Speaking of Greenwood, he said: “I believe that as players, when we reach a certain point in the elite level of the game, as we are today, I think that if you set yourself targets, if you really want something, if you focus on something that you really want to achieve for yourself and for your team, you can achieve it.
      “You can improve, you can grow as a player, you can be even better.
      “It depends on him, as it depends on each one of our forwards.
      “They’re all young strikers who have a long career ahead of them, and it will be down to them how they want to improve and blossom as players.”
      GOAL OF THE DAY
      What a strike this was from Mark Hughes in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final against Barcelona in 1991.
      Take a look at his finish below.

      ALL ABROAD
      Man Utd have boasted some of the finest foreign players to ever grace the Premier League.
      The likes of Eric Cantona, Jaap Stam and Cristiano Ronaldo have all cemented their legacy at Old Trafford.
      Bruno Fernandes is undoubtedly the star man for the current crop of Red Devils, managed by another iconic foreign import Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      But just who are the club’s greatest non-British players?
      United End editor Tom McDermott has already given his say on the club’s best British XI in the Premier League, and now he’s chosen a star-studded line up made up of foreigners.
      Only one player from the current Manchester United side has made the XI
      ZLAT’S ENOUGH
      Former Man Utd striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will NOT be taking part in the delayed Euro 2020 tournament for Sweden in the summer.
      The AC Milan ace will miss out due to a knee injury.
      Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Sweden have decided that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will NOT take part to the Euros.
      “After the announcement of the conservative therapy needed by Zlatan to recover after his knee injury, he’ll be OUT of the Euros. Official.”
      Sweden boss Janne Andersson told Expressen: “It’s sad but Zlatan is gonna miss the Euros because of his injury.”
      MAGUIRE MISSED
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that his side miss club captain Harry Maguire.
      He said: “Harry [Maguire] has been really important for us so of course we’re going to miss him but he’s out so we have to deal with that.
      “It’s about regrouping and building our own confidence again as we have two games and a final.
      “The attitude was right and the focus was fine, we were ready for it. We didn’t build on the good times.
      “We should have gone more for it at the start of the game. Sometimes we let them off the hook and let them play out.
      “Tuesday. We need to find ourselves straight away. We need to build that momentum and confidence. We should go into that final ready.”
      FREDY, SET, GO
      Brazil coach Tite has lifted the lid on why he called Fred back to the national team set-up.
      He told ESPN: “It’s because of his performances.
      “The high level that he has been showing at United, a team that is runner-up in the Premier League.”
      Fred has started 26 top-flight games for the Red Devils this term having forced his way back into the starting XI under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      CAV SOME OF THAT
      Edinson Cavani has revealed why he rushed in to protect Mason Greenwood during the youngster’s scuffle with Gianluca Mancini and Rick Karsdorp away at Roma.
      He said: “There are times when you’re out there when I believe you need to protect and stand up for one of your team-mates.
      “Sometimes because it might be down to a lack of experience on their part, and they might make a mistake. Many times, it is because you believe that a situation that they are involved in during a stand-off just isn’t fair.
      “In that incident against Roma, what I felt was that he was arguing face to face with the Roma defender which is something that can happen in football.
      “The next minute, a third guy came on the scene and began pushing him when he clearly wasn’t part of the original argument. I told him he should keep out of the incident and that’s why I went to help Mason and offer him some protection. 
      “I also tried to separate the players so the incident would calm down. We were in a key period of the game and he could have been given a red card.
      “I got a yellow card for my trouble, but the main thing was really to protect and defend him and to try to prevent everything escalating further.”
      RON HIS WAY?
      Cristiano Ronaldo won’t be returning to Sporting Lisbon in the summer, according to his agent Jorge Mendes.
      This works as a major boost for Manchester United, who are reportedly keen on a reunion with Ronaldo ahead of the summer transfer window.
      The 36-year-old’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, fuelled speculation that Ronaldo could return to Sporting after they won their first Primeira Liga title for the first time in 19 years.
      She said: “I’ll talk to him to bring him back. Next year he will play in Alvalade [Sporting’s stadium].”
      But agent Mendes poured cold water on that prospect, as he remarked: “Cristiano is proud of the title won by Sporting, in fact, as he has publicly demonstrated.
      “But at the moment his career plans do not go through Portugal.”
      BIRTHDAY BOY
      Man Utd legend Patrice Evra has turned 40 today.
      The Frenchman won five Premier League titles during his time with the Red Devils, as well as three League Cups and one Champions League.
      He left in 2014 to join Juventus after scoring ten goals in 379 appearances.

      JAM FILLING
      James Garner is hoping his loan spells at Watford and Nottingham Forest this season will see him be a regular for Man Utd next term.
      Speaking to the Red Devils’ official magazine Inside United, he said: “I’ve been working hard, physically and mentally, and it’s something I’m trying to add into my game.
      “Hopefully, when I come back at the end of the season, I’ll sit down with the coaches and see what’s best for me and what’s going to be best for my development. I’ll take it from there really.”
      Commenting on his dream of being a regular United starter, he said: “I think that’s ultimately the dream.
      “I’ve been at the club since seven or eight and the main focus is to be in the first team and do whatever takes to be with the first team.
      “Like I’ve said, I’ll just keep working hard, keep my head down and have to see what is going to be best for my development. But, ultimately, my dream is to be with the first-team and play for United.”
      FRED DEVIL
      Man Utd midfielder Fred has earned himself a call-up to the Brazilian national team following his fine form.
      The 28-year-old has not featured for the Selecao in almost two-and-a-half-years.
      His last of his 11 outings came in October 2018 where he played 45 minutes against Saudi Arabia.
      Taking to Twitter, Fred expressed his delight at being named in Tite’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.
      He said: “Great joy to represent my country again. Always proud to be summoned. Let’s go again!”
      VAR-CICAL
      Man Utd are reportedly battling Liverpool for the signing of Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane.
      According to the Manchester Evening News, the Reds have held talks with the Frenchman’s entourage about a move to Anfield in the summer.
      Los Blancos could cash in on the defender with the player having just a year left on his contract.
      Real president Florentino Perez recently fuelled speculation the World Cup winner could depart.
      He said: “Varane? I’m happy with our team. But if players don’t want to stay at Madrid they can leave.”
      United are determined to sign a centre-half in the upcoming window as Ole Gunnar looks to find a partner for Harry Maguire.
      DAY AND NIGHT
      RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano has revealed that he nearly joined Premier League giants Man Utd.
      But his parents advised him to ‘think carefully’ about the potential move.
      Upamencano will link up with Bayern Munich in the summer.
      Speaking to The Athletic, the Frenchman said: “I was a young boy. I wanted to sign for them straight away. Manchester United!
      “But then my parents took me aside and said: ‘Let’s think carefully about this.
      “We thought about it for a long time and then decided that going ‘etape par etape’ [step by step] was the best option for me.
      “Everything Ralf [Rangnick] said came true.”
      LLOR AND ORDER
      Manchester United are reportedly preparing a £68million bid for Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente.
      The Red Devils are known to be huge admirers of the 26-year-old, having first targeted the midfielder in January 2020.
      Llorente has been instrumental for Diego Simeone’s men this season with Atletico on the brink of winning their first LaLiga title since 2014.
      The ex-Real Madrid ace – who won the 2018 Champions League with Los Blancos – has chipped in with 13 goals and 12 assists in 43 games in all competitions this term.
      His fine form hasn’t gone unnoticed, and United were reportedly set to turn their interest into a formal offer in March.
      And now the Mirror have stated the Europa League finalists are ready to make a £68m bid to secure Llorente’s services.
      GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS FANS
      Manchester United have lined up Jadon Sancho and are willing to use Jesse Lingard as part of the deal to sign the Borussia Dortmund attacker.
      West Ham boss David Moyes hopes Lingard will consider a permanent move from United after his success on loan.
      The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri.
      United are preparing to make an offer for Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente.
      The Europa League finalists are stepping their pursuit of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.
      NEAR AND VAR
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly lining up a £40million swoop for Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.
      Despite seeming certain to finish second in the Premier League and reaching the Europa League final, Manchester United are keen to strengthen their backline.
      Missing Harry Maguire against Liverpool, United were ripped apart in their home defeat on Thursday.
      Solskjaer wants to launch a move for Varane to play alongside captain Maguire in central defence.
      The Frenchman, 28, has only 12 months left on his contract at the Bernabeu with talks over an extension having broken down.
      And United believe they can secure his signature this summer for a fee of around £40m.
      Credit: Getty
      VILE ABUSE
      Manchester United midfielder Fred has been subjected to more horrific racist abuse on social media just two weeks after the social media boycott.
      The Brazilian started for the Red Devils in their home defeat to Liverpool on Thursday evening.
      And after the match he was sent the vile racist abuse via the comment section of an Instagram post from Man Utd’s win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
      Fred was subjected to vile abuse onlineCredit: Reuters
      The shocking remarks included racial slurs and ‘monkey emojis’.
      A Facebook spokesperson told Sky Sports: “The racist abuse on Fred’s post is unacceptable and we don’t want it on Instagram.
      “We’ve removed a number of comments and taken action against the accounts that posted them.
      “We encourage people to use our safety features, including Comment Filters and Message Controls, which can meaningfully decrease the abuse people experience.
      “No single thing will fix this challenge overnight but we’re committed to doing what we can to keep our community safe from abuse.”
      RED GREG
      Has Conor McGregor thrown his hat in the ring to invest in Manchester United?
      This might be a stretch but the UFC superstar has highlighted his support for the club by posting an image of him as a kid wearing a United shirt.

      ‘JESSE HAS ENJOYED HIMSELF’
      West Ham boss David Moyes is hoping that on-loan Man Utd player Jesse Lingard considers a permanent move to the club in the summer.
      But has admitted that he is not sure how realistic a move is.
      “I am not actually sure how realistic it is,” said Moyes.
      “Obviously, I think Jesse has enjoyed himself, I hope he has… we have enjoyed having him and he is Manchester United’s player so they can decide what to do with him – and if they want to let him go then let’s hope he would consider us as one of his options.
      “We have enjoyed having him and I am sure he has enjoyed being here as well, he is getting a lot of accolades and is back in the England squad.
      “I hope he goes on to make the Euros and in time we will find out if Jesse is going to be a Manchester United player or if he will play for somebody else.”
      STAR MAN
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka has had a good season for Man Utd1

      MAUR THE MAN
      According to Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Man Utd are interested in signing Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri in the summer.
      The 25-year-old has impressed this season despite Getafe struggling in LaLiga.
      And relegation is a possibility for the Spanish side.
      Atletico Madrid are also believed to be interested in the midfielder who could be available for around £16million.
      FERGUSON BACKS SOLSKJAER
      Former Man Utd manager and cub legend Sir Alex Ferguson has backed current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      Ferguson believes that Solskjaer understands the fundamental principles that the club is built on.
      “I think Ole was always very communicative,” Sir Alex told the BBC: “Even when he was on the bench – and he spent a lot of time on the bench!
      “He would take notes of training sessions and he had a will and way forward that he wanted to be a manager.
      “For a club like Manchester United, it’s a results industry. Without question. If you don’t get results, questions are going to be asked.
      “He is getting results and has really done very well and, which is really important for this club, is to introduce young people.
      “He has given young players a chance. I think that will always be the foundation of Manchester United.
      “From Matt Busby, from Alex Ferguson to what Ole is doing – the young guys, if they’re good enough, play them. It’s never a problem at this club.”
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      STAT ATTACK
      Bruno Fernandes is Man Utd’s top-scorer this season!
      The Portugal international also tops the charts in the assists department with 11. Important.

      JESSE SPEAKS
      Jesse Lingard has shared a video on Twitter thanking the fans for voting him Player of the Month, as well as voting for his goal against Wolves to win Goal of the Month.
      The Man Utd player – on loan at West Ham – preached a message of hope, and told fans to ‘be yourself’.
      He said: “This is a great moment for me on a personal level after the difficulties of the past, so for me to pick up these two awards – POTM & GOTM – proves with a positive attitude and staying strong, you can achieve anything.
      “This is for anyone who has ever been told they’re not good enough, or that they need change who they are to fit in.
      “I would always say stay true to yourself, be yourself, you know, keep dancing, keep doing what you love and I’m sure you’ll reach your goals in the long run.”
      This is for anyone who has ever been told they’re not good enough, or that they need change who they are to fit in.Jesse Lingard
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      David Luiz and Xhaka ‘want to LEAVE’, Arsenal handed £35m Berge transfer price, Bissouma and Aarons news, new kit latest

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      ARSENAL’s away shirt for next season has been released – and it’s a beauty inspired by the 1971 FA Cup triumph.On the transfer front, the club are looking to make a big statement in the transfer market by securing Rennes wonderkid Eduardo Camavinga.
      Meanwhile, there are updates on chases for Yves Bissouma and Max Aarons.
      Get all the latest Arsenal news, transfer gossip and updates with our live blog…
      NOT WRIGHT DEAL
      Arsenal should not sign Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid on a permanent deal, according to club legend Ian Wright.
      The Spanish midfielder is currently on loan until the end of the season.
      Wright told Premier League Productions: “I don’t think we should be signing Ceballos, I just don’t think he’s what we need now.
      “I think that we’ve got young players coming through who should get an opportunity in front of Ceballos.
      “If he’s going to do anything to stay at Arsenal it would’ve been seen already by now.”
      Wright has not been convinced by Ceballos during his time at the Emirates and believes the club should put their faith in younger players.
      FIN LINE
      Real Betis favourite Finidi George has told Nabil Fekir to keep working hard if he wants to earn a move to Arsenal.
      Previously linked with the Gunners and Liverpool, Fekir has hit four goals for Betis this season.
      And ex-Nigeria international George told Tribal Football: “Nabil is young and he is a good player.
      “If he keeps working hard, keeps his cool and is disciplined, I think he might play for top clubs in Europe.
      “Going to Arsenal or Real Madrid depends on him. I think he has the quality. If he has the mindset, I think he can make it.
      “He has to continue to do his best for his club and hopefully the bigger clubs will come one day knocking at the door.”
      ELNENY CONTINUED
      In a statement to the JC, an Arsenal spokesman said: “As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms. 
      “That said, we are speaking to Mo about this so he understands the wider implications of his post.
      “As a club we are committed to confronting and eliminating all forms of discrimination and continue to champion the need for equality and diversity across all areas of life.”
      MO LAUGHING MATTER
      Arsenal sponsor Lavazza are holding ‘urgent talks’ with the club after a controversial tweet from Mohamed Elneny.
      The Egyptian midfielder posted a pro-Palestine message amid the worsening conflict with Israel.
      The Jewish Chronicle reported coffee group Lavazza’s insistence on urgent talks with the club following Elneny’s social media post.
      The post included an image with the text ‘Palestine Lives Matter’ which shows an outline of Israel with pro-Palestine images within.
      The Lavazza Group told the JC: “We’ll immediately reach out to Arsenal to remark we are concerned about the club associated with such a message.
      “Content of this post is totally not aligned with our company values.  Lavazza Group is fully committed against racism and antisemitism.”

      FOCUS ON IT
      Alex Scott has been named as the new host of the BBC’s Football Focus, becoming the show’s first permanent female host in its 47-year history.
      The former Arsenal and England star will take over from Dan Walker, who is stepping down after 12 years at the helm.
      The 36-year-old full-back made more than 200 club appearances during her playing career, earned 140 caps for her country and represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.
      Announcing the appointment in a column for BBC Sport, she wrote: “When I was a kid, I would never have watched television and thought someone like me could be presenting a programme like Football Focus.
      “For the BBC to trust me with this role and allow me to be my true, authentic self means a lot.”
      Alex Scott has been named as the new host of the BBC’s Football Focus
      PEPE TALK
      Nicolas Pepe could reportedly depart Arsenal in the summer should they receive a suitable offer.
      The Ivorian winger is in his second season at the Emirates, where he has chipped in with 12 goals and five assists in 45 games in all competitions.
      But he has yet to justify his £72million price tag, with the ex-Lille ace failing to nail down a regular starting spot under Mikel Arteta.
      Commenting on his future, Fabrizio Romano told the Arsenal Lounge: “The feeling around the player is that Arsenal will try again with him, will try with Arteta also to build this consideration in Europe and let’s see what happens next season.
      “But if an important bid will arrive Arsenal are open to consider, but at the moment it’s really difficult to have this money for this player.”
      MONEY SAVER
      Arsenal defender Dinos Mavropanos could extend his stay at Stuttgart beyond the summer IF he is not in boss Mikel Arteta’s plans going forward.
      The 23-year-old has impressed whilst on loan in Germany, and could prove a money saver if Arteta was to keep him and use him.
      Stuttgart manager Pellegrino Matarazzo loves him, and said: “He’s our gladiator!
      “He’s a monster in terms of physique. And when he makes a mistake, he hums around some Greek swear words. I like that. He’s just a tough dog.”
      The praise of Mavropanos didn’t just come from manager Matarazzo.
      Sporting director Sven Mislintat weighed in saying: “He (Mavropanos) says very clearly – if he doesn’t play a role in Arsenal’s planning, he wants to stay with us.”
      TALKING TACTICS
      Arsenal Women’s boss Joe Montemurro has discussed the winning tactics behind the Gunners’ title-winning side in 2019.
      Take a look at the clip below.
      Talking Tactics with @MontemurroJoe 🗣Our head coach dissects our title-winning side of 2018/19 🏆Get ready for detail and insight like you’ve never heard before! 🤯— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 14, 2021

      GUNNING FOR MORE
      Arsenal are reportedly ready to bring a handful of players to the club in the summer, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
      Speaking on the Arsenal Lounge YouTube channel, he said: “I can guarantee you 100 per cent that they are working on some positions in particular.
      “Right-back, centre-back, midfielder and number 10, if Odegaard will leave, since February. So they are already talking with people, with agents and with clubs to be prepared.
      “The market this summer will be particular, as always when we have the Euros or the World Cup, the summer will be the end of May or the start of June, they will start something and I expect Arsenal to do something at the beginning of the market.
      “At the beginning of the market, Arsenal will be ready to do something, let’s see if it will be the right-back, the absolute priority is at right-back at the moment, that and the midfield.
      “So I expect that at the beginning of the market they will be close to signing two players in these positions.”
      HEART AND SOL
      Sol Campbell met with England officials on Thursday for discussions over the vacant Under-21s job.
      SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month that the ex-Arsenal defender, 46, had thrown his hat in the ring to succeed Aidy Boothroyd.
      It remains to be seen whether he will get the nod over the likes of current Under-17s chief Justin Cochrane and Liam Rosenior, who are also in the frame.
      Campbell, who won 73 caps for the Three Lions, previously bossed Macclesfield and Southend.
      Boothroyd is leaving this summer when his contract expires after presiding over a second successive group-stage exit from the Euros.
      Prospective candidates have been encouraged to apply as the FA conducts a ‘formal open process’ to appoint the new boss.
      Sol Campbell has been linked with the England Under-21s job
      TRANSFER BATTLE
      Arsenal will reportedly go toe-to-toe with bitter rivals Tottenham to sign Lyon defender Joachim Andersen.
      Anderson, 24, spent the season on loan with the recently-relegated Fulham but impressed in what was a disappointing campaign for the Cottagers.
      The centre-back’s displays for the west Londoners are said to have caught the eye of Arsenal, who are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements following a dismal season.
      But they’re also said to have impressed the Gunners’ north London neighbours Tottenham.
      And according to The Daily Telegraph, Spurs are ‘in pole position’ to sign the Denmark international.
      It’s been reported Tottenham are willing to splash out close to £35million to add Andersen to their collection of centre-backs.
      Tottenham are reportedly in pole position to sign Joachim Andersen
      TAKE XHAK
      Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is reportedly seeking an exit away from the Emirates in the summer.
      The Gunners midfielder could be on of a number of players that could depart North London in what looks set to be a busy window for the Gunners.
      According to The Athletic, the Swiss international ‘intends’ to leave the club he has been at since 2016.
      Xhaka has arguably been Arsenal’s most consistent midfielder this season.
      Should he depart, Arsenal could replace him with either Yves Bissouma or Sander Berge.
      RYAN AIR
      Leicester have joined Arsenal in the bidding war over the departing Southampton ace Ryan Bertrand.
      Bertrand confirmed on Wednesday that he will be leaving St Mary’s once his contract expires on June 30 and a raft of clubs have reportedly shown interest.
      West Ham and Crystal Palace are said to be keeping tabs on the left-back, who will be available for a free transfer in the summer, and the same also goes for Arsenal.
      The Gunners have been long-term admirers and manager Mikel Arteta is believed to still be keen on the 31-year-old.
      According to the Evening Standard, the same goes for Leicester, who were linked with Bertrand last year.
      Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers was reportedly open to reuniting with the player he worked with during his time at Chelsea’s coaching staff.
      NOT THE MAINE MAN
      Jermaine Jenas believes it is right for Arsenal not to offer David Luiz a new contract.
      The Brazilian defender will depart the Emirates after two seasons when his deal expires at the end of the season.
      Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live if he is surprised about the news, Jenas said: “Probably not.
      “Making 30 appearances I wouldn’t have thought it’s based on his age, I know he has had more injuries than he would have liked this year.
      “I think Arsenal do need to start rebuilding. I would imagine David Luiz is one of the higher earners at that football club.
      “And I think it’s a smart move from them to free up some cash and go a bit younger and try and start that rebuild essentially.”
      WRIGHT WARNS AGAINST SIGNING CEBALLOS
      Arsenal Legend Ian Wright has warned against signing on-loan Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos in the summer.
      Wright believes that Arsenal have some very talented players who could fill the void left by the Spaniards departure.
      Speaking to Premier League Productions, Wright said: “I don’t think we should be signing Ceballos, I just don’t think he’s what we need now.
      ‘I think that we’ve got young players coming through who should get an opportunity in front of Ceballos.
      “If he’s going to do anything to stay at Arsenal, it would’ve been seen already by now.”
      ARTETA TO STAY
      Mikel Arteta will remain as Arsenal boss with the backing of the club’s hierarchy, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      Arsenal look set for one of their worst seasons in recent years but the Spaniard is being backed to turn it around at the Emirates.
      Arsenal are still backing Mikel Arteta and he’ll stay. The club is planning with the Spanish manager about next transfers window and new signings. ⚪️🔴 #AFCThe decision to not offer David Luiz a new contract was made together between player, board and approved by Arteta. 🇧🇷— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 15, 2021

      GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
      David Luiz is set to leave Arsenal this summer with the Brazil defender informing the club he wants to exit when his contract expires.
      The Gunners are reportedly ready to hand defender Calum Chambers a new deal after impressing this season.
      Arsenal will have to pay Sander Berge’s £35million release clause if they want to sign the Sheffield United midfielder.
      Berge is one of five players Arsenal have lined up to revamp their squad this summer.
      PRE-SEASON DATES
      Arsenal will reportedly play two of their fiercest rivals in pre-season as well as head out to America.
      The Gunners have yet to complete what has been a disappointing Premier League campaign that looks set to result in no European football for the first time in 25 years.
      However, supporters will have two whopping friendlies to look forward to ahead of the next one.
      Mikel Arteta’s side are reported to be part of a three-team London tournament that will see them collide with Tottenham and Chelsea.
      All proceeds from that mini showpiece, set for the first week of August, will go towards charities in the capital.
      Credit: AFP
      DEAL ME IN
      Arsenal rising star Emile Smith Rowe is reportedly close to signing a new five-year deal.
      The England talent has been one of the few success stories for the Gunners this season.
      Mikel Arteta wants to make sure the 20-year-old is a major part of the club’s future.
      And Smith Rowe is reportedly close to agreeing a new contract to commit his future to Arsenal.
      Credit: Getty
      ALL GUNNS BLAZING
      Arsenal are reportedly looking to bring in five players to revamp the squad this summer.
      Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen in five areas with Norwich defender Max Aarons high on their shortlist.
      Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Sheffield United’s Sander Berge have also been linked with a potential move to Arsenal.
      Credit: Focus Images
      LUIZ LEAVING
      David Luiz is leaving Arsenal at the end of the season, according to the Daily Mail.
      The Brazilian held talks with the club today and he has notified them that he wishes to leave the Emirates this summer.
      The 34-year-olds contract comes to an end this summer, ending his two year spell at the club.
      Luiz helped Arsenal win the FA Cup last season, defeating his former club Chelsea where he spent six years of his professional career.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      NEW DEAL
      Arsenal will hand defender Calum Chambers a new contract, according to Football.London.
      Chambers’ contract was due to expire at the end of next season.
      But his form has changed the tide of his Arsenal career and he’s set to be handed an extension.

      ICONIC
      Arsenal are continuing to promote their away kit for next season, but you’ll have to watch to see the short exchange between legend Patrick Vieira and Thomas Partey!

      RACE FOR EUROPE
      With the race for Europe heating up heading into the final 2/3 fixtures of the Premier League season, here’s what is up for grabs.

      ICE BERG
      Arsenal will have to pay Sander Berge’s full £35million release clause to land the midfielder despite Sheffield United’s relegation.
      Yorkshire Live refuted claims that the Norwegian could be available for a cut-price £12m after the Blades dropped out of the Premier League.
      Berge is still £10m cheaper than United’s original £45m asking price due to a relegation clause in his contract with the future Championship outfit.
      Liverpool and Arsenal have both been linked with moves for the 23-year-old, who has just returned to action following a lengthy injury.
      The 23-year-old appeared in the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday in his first start since suffering a hamstring problem back in December.
      The Norway international became United’s club-record signing at £22million when he joined from Genk in January 2020.

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