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      in Soccer

      Aarons eyed to replace Bellerin EXCLUSIVE, Camavinga £50m No1 transfer target, Smith-Rowe ‘offered new Arsenal deal’

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      ARSENAL are looking to offload Hector Bellerin for around £35m with Norwich’s Max Aarons lined up as a replacement, SunSport can reveal.Meanwhile the Gunners have made France international Eduardo Camavinga their No1 target, according to reports.
      And Emile Smith-Rowe is set to be one of the Arsenal players offered a new contract.
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      Stay up to date with every twist and turn from North London in our live blog…
      TUCH N GO
      Mikel Arteta has hailed the work Thomas Tuchel has done at Chelsea.
      He told the club’s website: “Probably they’ve been the best team in the league in the last few months, what Thomas [Tuchel] has been able to do since he arrived has been exceptional.
      “He put the team in two finals, the way the team is looking, how solid they are defensively as well, how composed and regular they have been in their performance has been excellent.”
      PJAN OF ACTION
      Barcelona are reportedly keen to sign former Arsenal target Jorginho in the summer and are willing to offer Miralem Pjanic in exchange.
      The Bosnian moved to the Nou Camp in a high-profile switch from Juventus last year, but he has failed to live up to expectations in Spain.
      According to Sport, Barca are keen to offload the player at the end of the season, and have identified Chelsea midfielder Jorginho as a possible replacement.
      The Catalan side are even exploring the viability of a swap deal involving the pair.
      Mikel Arteta was linked with a swoop for Jorginho last summer after he fell out of favour under former Blues chief Frank Lampard.

      FINE ART
      Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to play for the “pride in the shirt” against Chelsea.
      He said: “I think it is the pride in the shirt that we wear [that motivates us], and that we want to win.
      “Winning is going to put us in a much better position in the table, which is going to make us… the chance to finish where is mathematically possible, but it doesn’t depend on us at the moment.”
      ZAK ATTACK
      Arsenal are keeping tabs on Borussia Monchengladbach star Denis Zakaria ahead of the summer transfer window.
      That is according to 90Min, who claim that the Gunners are so keen on Zakaria they would be willing to let Granit Xhaka go the other way.
      Xhaka moved to the Emirates in 2016 after four impressive years at Gladbach.
      Zakaria is out of contract in 2022 and the midfielder is expected to seek pastures new this summer
      TUCHEL ON FA CUP
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel insists his players are fully concentrated on Arsenal and not Saturday’s FA Cup final against Leicester.
      Tuchel said: “We just have an eye on the players’ workload and on the statistics that we have, who is maybe overloaded on high speed and from that we will decide who is at risk of injury. Everyone who is not at risk of injury will be available for the game.
      “It’s not the time to manage the game on Saturday now. Now is the time to manage the game on Wednesday.
      “We’re in the middle of a race for the top four and cannot judge games”
      GETTY IMAGES
      TUCHEL ON KOVACIC
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Mateo Kovacic will be unavailable for Wednesday’s clash with Arsenal but is very pleased with the way Billy Gilmour has filled in.
      Tuchel said: “He [Kovacic] is not ready for tomorrow, we have to postpone it to Wembley. His personal race is on to make it to the squad for Wembley.
      “Billy Gilmour had to step up now because we miss Kova so much and we play normally always with a double-six, so we were rotating constantly between N’Golo [Kante], Jorgi[Jorginho] and Kova. Once we miss Kova now for so many games, so many weeks, it was on Billy to step up and I was very happy that he could deliver when it was needed.
      ‘So full credit for that, but Kova is a big loss with his ability to drive with the ball, his speed on the ball, without the ball. Kova is such a positive character and unique player, a real fighter on who you can always rely in games and training.
      ‘We really miss him, he is a good match with Jorgi and N’Golo in all combinations. So it’s a big miss and I can’t wait until he’s back in full team training. He’s taken some steps in the right direction and I hope he can rejoin team training after our game with Arsenal.”
      RING THE BEL
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has identified Atletico Madrid ace Moussa Dembele as a potential replacement for Alexandre Lacazette.
      Lacazette has been linked with an imminent exit from the Emirates ahead of the summer transfer window.
      According to the Daily Telegraph, the Gunners may move for Dembele who’s been playing on loan at Atletico.
      However, the striker has been struggling for form as he’s only registered one goal this season
      SZCZEDING LIGHT
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has poured cold water on reports suggesting that Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny will return to the Emirates.
      This comes after former Gunners star Jack Wilshere claimed the north Londoners’ failure comes down to the loss of “proper Arsenal people” from the club.
      Arteta said: “I think it’s very important to have people that they’ve been here, that they have the experience, that they are well respected here.
      “We have a lot of them as well around the training ground, at the stadium. So I don’t know if Jack refers more to the type of people or players, or just people that are recognised with the DNA of the club.
      “Honestly I cannot talk about an individual”
      CHECKMAIT
      Manchester United are keeping tabs on West Brom loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles ahead of the transfer window.
      That is according to the Daily Mail, who claim United as well as Everton are considering a summer move for Maitland-Niles.
      However, both clubs view him more as a right-back rather than a midfielder.
      The 23-year-old has impressed on loan and seems set to return to Arsenal at the end of the season
      GETTY IMAGES
      ARTETA MESSAGE TO FANS
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta shared a message to the fans, who’ve grown frustrated after a series of poor results.
      Arteta said: “We can’t wait to have them back in the stadium, with the whole stadium or whatever the capacity that we’re allowed to have in the stadium for the last game.
      “It’s something that we’ve missed in this process to have them together, to feel what the team wants to do and create that chemistry and get them closer to what we’re trying to do.
      “We are trying to finalise everything, with the COVID world, it’s been a real challenge to get any games or pre-season tour sorted out, but hopefully in the next week that will be confirmed and we can announce that, but this is what we’re trying to do.
      “Obviously the Euros is going to condition the return dates of the players in relation to what they do in the tournament, so there’s still some question marks”
      ARTETA ON CRITICISM
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta addressed all the criticism the club has received from former players, fans and the media amid a poor season.
      Arteta said: “I think everybody is entitled to give their opinions and when they have the chance to do that, they have to say what they feel.
      “Again, it’s nothing for me to say. I cannot control that. If you ask me what I would like to have around the team and around everything that is related to the football club, is that we have the unity and stability to work. But if it’s not the case, it’s nothing that I can do.
      “They are entitled to their opinions. The only way I can prove that is by having a team that performs on the pitch and makes them proud. That’s the only thing that I can do. The only thing I can be judged on is do I create the necessary environment for a top, elite team to compete at the higher level and get everybody in the condition to do their best?
      “And after that, do I get the best out of the players that I have? The maximum, whatever the level is, do I get the best out of that? This is how I judge myself and at the end, in the outside world, how I am going to be judged is just with results, nothing else.
      “What we’ve done good before, in the past, in the process… it’s irrelevant. It’s only what you get from that result when you are on that pitch”
      ARTETA ON TRANSFERS
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also addressed the possibility of certain players leaving the club at the end of the season.
      Arteta said: “I think that having a pre-season is going to be really helpful because we haven’t had any time to work together yet, since we arrived.
      “But after that, let’s see where we finish next season and the amount of games that we have to play.
      “But obviously, in terms of game preparation and time to coach them, it’s much better to be in that position rather than not having any time to prepare between games.
      “There are so many things to do because we already have a lot of players on loan and a lot of players with contracts still that we need to sort.
      “It will depend what happens with a lot of those players and what we are able to recruit to improve the team, that is going to determine where we are”
      ARTETA ON CHELSEA TEAM NEWS
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta discussed Wednesday’s clash at Chelsea and shared some team news.
      Arteta said: “Well probably they’ve been the best team in the league in the last few months, what Thomas [Tuchel] has been able to do since he arrived has been exceptional. He put the team in two finals, the way the team is looking, how solid they are defensively as well, how composed and regular they have been in their performance has been excellent.
      “We have to see today, there were some issues over the weekend again. We are playing every three days and there is no time to train yet, today is the first day so we will have to wait and see. Yes [there were] some injuries, yes.
      “Well the situation with David [Luiz] is that he is not yet recovered, we will see how he does in the next few weeks. The rest are still in contention but we will have to see today how they come”
      ARTETA ON CHANGES
      Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opened about the necessary changes needed in the club after a poor season.
      Arteta said during his press conference: “Obviously winning helps and it was our duty to get the points that we needed at home [against West Brom], and to try to finish the season as strong as possible after the disappointment that we had.
      “We have already had an incredible amount of changes at the club over the past year or so, more than ever. We are looking to improve and be much closer than where we are at the moment. In order to do that there are certain things that we have to improve.
      “Now it is how we evolve, there are a lot of things that had to be done and they have been done, a lot of changes to make and a lot of them have been made. Now it is time to evolve. To evolve you to have to take things so that when they are a little more settled and established, take them to the next level.
      “We have made progress in many areas, I would say performance included, and that is supported by many factors that we have looked at. Results-wise, to be where we want to be, it has to be improved”
      GETTY IMAGES
      BELLERIN REPLACEMENTS
      Arsenal star Hector Bellerin seems likely to exit the Emirates at the end of the season.
      The Gunners are already lining up potential replacements as Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan appear keen to sign Bellerin.
      The north Londoners are keeping tabs on Norwich ace Max Aarons as well as Real Betis’ Emerson.
      Manager Mikel Arteta has been promised funds in the summer by majority shareholder Stan Kroenke who is looking to fix his relationship with the fans after the European Super League fiasco
      FERD ADVICE
      Rio Ferdinand has urged Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to build the team around Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney.
      Ferdinand said on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE: “The only thing to come out for Arsenal are Emile Smith Rowe, Saka and Tierney this season.
      “They’ve been top, they’ve been the best players and that’s what he’s got to build around going forward.
      “Even Joe Willock has gone to Newcastle and kept them up. He’s got to come back into the fray surely after that little spell he’s had there.
      “Those are the guys that Arsenal have to build around going forward”
      ARSENAL EXIT
      Arsenal are facing the prospect of a massive exodus of players from the Emirates ahead of the summer transfer window.
      According to Football London, Dani Ceballos seems set to end his loan stint with the Gunners and return to Real Madrid after a series of errors in Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
      Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin, Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Sead Kolasinac are also available for transfer.
      Stuttgart want to extend their loan deal for Dinos Mavropanos but also want to add a buying clause
      KAI PRAISE
      Chelsea star Kai Havertz refuses to underestimate Arsenal ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
      The Gunners have been enduring a hapless season but are still not completely out of the European spots.
      Havertz said: “Arsenal are also fighting for a European place. They are a very strong side, very dangerous.
      “It’s a London derby, so they will be very motivated. But if we play our best football we can win”
      FREE WILL
      Rio Ferdinand has urged Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to give Joe Willock more opportunities next season after his impressive performances recently for Newcastle.
      Willock has registered five goals in 11 appearances for the Magpies, where he has been playing on loan since February.
      The midfielder’s influence has helped the Toon avoid relegation from the Premier League.
      Ferdinand said on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE: “Even Joe Willock’s gone on loan to Newcastle and kept them up, he’s got to come back into the frame surely after that little spell he’s had there”
      GETTY IMAGES
      BEST IN THE WORLD
      Rennes star Eduardo Camavinga has taken the world of football by storm thanks to some impressive performances in Ligue 1 that have earned the interest of some of Europe’s biggest hitters.
      Camavinga’s agent Jonathan Barnett claims his client has a bright future ahead of him and expects him to become “the best midfielder in the world”.
      Barnett told Goal in February: “At the moment, he’s a Rennes player. He likes Rennes and, at the moment, we haven´t really taken to other clubs. It isn’t our position.
      “Let’s see what happens later on, but he’s doing well in Rennes and that’s fine. Being the best midfielder in the world, that’s how I see his future, [with] a lot of medals and a lot of trophies”
      ROWE ON
      Arsenal ace Emile Smith Rowe looks set to be offered a new contract once the new director of football operations Richard Garlick takes over on May 17.
      According to ESPN, among Garlick’s first piece of business will be to sort out new deals with players.
      Rowe has been very impressive this season as he has amassed a total of 34 appearances across all competitions.
      The 20-year-old’s current contract runs until 2023 but after a breakthrough season this term, he is due to earn a pay rise.
      CAM AND GET HIM
      Arsenal have made Rennes star Eduardo Camavinga their No1 transfer target ahead of the summer.
      That is according to Le10Sport, who claim the Gunners are doing everything in their power to lure Camavinga to the Emirates as manager Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his midfield.
      The 18-year-old is considered as one of the hottest prospects in the market and has earned attention from Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is very impressed with the France international, who will cost an excess of £50million
      MAX-ING OUT
      Arsenal are among a number of clubs keeping tabs on Norwich right-back Max Aarons.
      Gunners star Hector Bellerin is set to lead the Emirates exodus as manager Mikel Arteta plans a massive summer shake-up.
      Bellerin wants a new challenge after 10 years in north London and fancies moving to another country, with Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan reportedly interested.
      And Aarons appears to be on top of Arsenal’s list as a potential replacement for the Spain international
      GETTY IMAGES
      LOAD OF HOT AAR
      Arsenal are keen on snapping up Max Aarons to replace Hector Bellerin, SunSport can reveal.
      The Gunners are one of a number of clubs targeting the 21-year-old Norwich full-back.
      Arsenal are also interested in Emerson Royal of Barcelona.
      Barca currently co-own the Brazilian with Betis but can take full rights for £6m and then sell him on for a profit.

      GOOD MORNING GOONERS
      SunSport can reveal that Hector Bellerin is set to lead the Arsenal exodus as Mikel Arteta plans a massive summer shake-up.
      The Spanish full-back wants a new challenge after ten years at the Emirates and fancies moving to another country.
      Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are both monitoring the situation and could make a move at the right price.
      Arsenal hope to raise as much as £35million for a player who still has two years to run on his contract — but may be forced to slash their asking price.
      Elsewhere the club are ‘doing everything’ to sign Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes this summer, according to reports.
      The three-cap France midfielder, 18, is one of the hottest properties in Europe.
      Le10 Sport claim Mikel Arteta and Co have made Camavinga their No1 priority this summer.
      The Gunners have endured a nightmare campaign with their misery compounded last week after crashing out of the Europa League to Unai Emery’s Villarreal.
      And they hope Camavinga’s presence in midfield could make all the difference next season.
      However, the reports have been dismissed by football.london.
      Load more entries… More

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      in Soccer

      Jadon Sancho top Man Utd transfer target with Haaland and Kane not in plans – Neville, Maguire injury UPDATE

      by

      JADON SANCHO remains Manchester United’s top summer transfer target, according to Gary Neville.The England winger was pursued all last summer but some reports had suggested United had moved on.
      However, former skipper Neville says Sancho still remains the top priority over the likes of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
      Meanwhile Harry Maguire faces a race against time to be fit for the Europa League final.
      Get all the latest Man Utd news and transfer updates here…
      TEAM NEWS
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has sprung a shock with a heavily rotated side for tonight’s clash against Leicester.
      🚨 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨Ole makes 🔟 changes the side which beat Aston Villa — let’s go, Reds! 👊#MUFC #MUNLEI— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 11, 2021

      FERG-ET IT
      Sir Alex Ferguson won a staggering 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, two European Cups and the Club World Cup during an illustrious 26-year spell at Manchester United.
      But the serial winner realised right at the beginning of his managerial career with East Stirlingshire in 1974 the need for players with mental resilience as well as technical ability in order to be successful.
      He told the Guardian: “I remember my first away game as a manager, 1974. We got beat 5-2 by Albion Rovers.
      “I went home that night and I told myself, ‘If I don’t get mental toughness in my players, I’ll never make it as a manager.’
      “That was at the forefront of all my methods of management – to make sure players could cope with the strains and challenges of being a top footballer.
      “I’ve always tried to endow them with that talent of being mentally tough. I’m very lucky. Aberdeen had some mentally tough players.”
      TOUGHEN UP
      Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as ‘tough as old boots’.
      The Scot told the Guardian: “At United, all the best players were mentally tough.
      “Ronaldo is tough, honestly, as old boots. He was always going to be a great player because he had it up there [Ferguson taps his head].
      “We played a part in that because Eric Harrison, the [youth] coach, made it tougher for the youngsters.
      “He said, ‘If you don’t have mental toughness, you’ll never make United’s first team.’”

      NEXT LEVEL
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has advised all top clubs to sign Marquinhos.
      United are on the lookout for a top defender to team up with Harry Maguire at the back and Ferdinand claims the Paris Saint-Germain star would take anyone to the “next level”.
      The pundit said in his Vibe with Five YouTube channel: “If any team is in the market for a centre-back, right now, out of the top teams, with the finances, Marquinhos is the only place I’m going.
      “Big-game player. Every big game you see that guy play he turns up.
      “Fit as you like, quick, robust, hardened, battle-hardened, understands the big-game environments.
      “Top, top player, great attitude, leader, got it all. If I’m looking for a centre-back of experience who can take me to the next level, he’s the one I’m going for”
      LEICESTER INJURIES
      Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers is dealing with some injury problems of his own ahead of tonight’s clash with Manchester United.
      Former United ace Jonny Evans is out with a muscle injury and won’t get to face his former club.
      James Justin is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury whereas Harvey Barnes is still dealing with a knee problem.
      Captain Wes Morgan will also miss this crucial encounter due to a back injury
      UNITED INJURIES
      Manchester United won’t be without absences tonight against Leicester at Old Trafford.
      Former Foxes star Harry Maguire is sidelined with an ankle injury and has found himself in a race against time in his bid to reclaim fitness ahead of the Europa League final against Villarreal.
      Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will also be without Anthony Martial, who is still recovering from a knee injury.
      Daniel James is also out with a knock whereas Phil Jones has missed the entire season due to a knee problem
      GETTY IMAGES
      FIRST SIGNING
      Manchester United’s new director of football John Murtough is close to completing his first transfer.
      According to the Daily Telegraph, United are closing in on Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
      However, Heaton’s imminent arrival doesn’t mean either David de Gea or Dean Henderson, who’ve been battling for the No1 position, are on their way out of Old Trafford.
      Instead, the United academy product is joining up as a third-choice goalkeeper
      OPEN THE GATE
      Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has advised Gareth Southgate to pick Mason Greenwood for Euro 2020.
      Solskjaer said: “It’s not my job. Gareth knows Mason well enough. He knows Mason can turn a game around in one split second.
      “He’s working, learning on the job, getting more robust. He’s played more than 100 games for us – he’s been incredible.
      “He’ll have a long, long future with England. I’m sure Gareth will think long and hard about which 26 he’s going to pick.
      “I like him, so it says itself what I would have done”
      OLE SPEAKS
      Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is targeting a win against Liverpool and Leicester to raise fans’ spirits following the recent protests.
      Solskjaer said before tonight’s clash with Leicester: “Security measures are being looked at.
      “I hope we can keep the protests – if there are protests – down to loud voices, nothing violent. We want to listen, the players want to play the game.
      “We’re playing Liverpool – of course we want to beat Liverpool and we want to beat Leicester. So we’re going to do everything we can for our fans to celebrate what we’re doing on the pitch”
      CHECKMAIT
      Manchester United are keeping tabs on West Brom loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles ahead of the summer transfer window.
      That is according to the Daily Mail, who claim United as well as Everton are considering a summer swoop for Maitland-Niles.
      However, both teams view him more as a right-back rather than a midfielder.
      The 23-year-old has impressed at The Hawthorns and seems set to return to Arsenal at the end of the season.
      POLICE PRESENCE
      The police has made its presence felt outside Old Trafford ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Leicester.
      This comes after last Sunday’s protests that saw a chunk of fans breaking inside United’s ground and staging a demonstration outside The Lowry Hotel where the team was staying.
      More protests have been scheduled for the remaining home fixtures, including tonight’s clash with the Foxes.
      Red Devils fans demonstrated against the Glazer family, who own the club, following the European Super League debacle
      Paul Cousans/Zenpix Ltd..
      FERGUSON STATEMENT
      Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson opened up about the emergency surgery for a brain haemorrhage he had back in 2018.
      Ferguson had temporarily lost his voice after the operation and feared that his memory was next.
      The 79-year-old told The Guardian, ahead of the release of his documentary Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In: “That was a big worry for me.
      “It happened after the operation when I lost my voice. That was the most frightening part.
      “I knew I was alive but, on my own, I started thinking: ‘I wonder if they’re telling me the truth?’ The operation was a success but you’re in that loneliness. It can be frightening”
      LET’S CAV IT
      Edinson Cavani signed a one-year extension with Manchester United on Monday.
      Cavani joined United from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and has been on quite a roll since.
      The striker has recorded a total of 15 goals and five assists in 35 matches across all competitions.
      The Uruguay international has been especially influential in the Europa League where he has registered five goals and three assists in four games
      JESS AMAZING
      Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has named the “best player in the Premier League”, who currently doesn’t play for the club.
      Fernandes praised Jesse Lingard, who’s currently out on loan at West Ham and enjoying a stunning return to form.
      The Portugal international told United’s official website: “If you see Jesse, I think Jesse, at the moment, if you watch the last 10 games, has been top, top, top level.
      “For me, if you watch the last 10 games, he’s been the best player in the Premier League, scoring and assists in every game.
      “Everyone here is really, really happy for him. He has confidence back, he has his swag back, because he is feeling confident. We are really, really happy for what he’s doing”
      CLOCK TICKING
      Manchester United want to complete Jadon Sancho’s signing before this summer’s delayed Euro 2020 competition.
      That is according to Bild, who claim United don’t want their fresh bid for Sancho to turn into another saga.
      The Red Devils are lining up an £80million swoop for the star winger, which is lower than last year’s £91m offer.
      The Euros are set to kick off on June 11 when Turkey face Italy
      HAALAND BOOST
      Manchester United’s decision to offer Edinson Cavani a one-year extension works as a major boost for other clubs keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland.
      United have been linked with Haaland in the last few months but Cavani’s new deal means the Red Devils may not be keen on going after another striker.
      That gives the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona more hope of signing Haaland in the summer.
      However, Dortmund have proven to be fierce negotiators, as shown by United’s failed bid to sign Jadon Sancho last year, and will demand at least £30million for the Norway international
      GETTY IMAGES
      SAN STORM
      Manchester United are lining up an £80million swoop for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.
      That is according to the Daily Star, who claim United will make an offer that’s lower than their £91m bid that was rejected in the summer.
      Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been rating Sancho as a top target for a while now.
      And this time Dortmund appear more keen to sell their star winger
      KANE GO ON
      Manchester United transfer target Harry Kane has been urged to leave Tottenham in the summer in order to boost his chances of winning silverware.
      Newcastle legend Alan Shearer believes it is now time for Kane to seek greener pastures as time will soon start to run out on his career.
      Shearer told Match of the Day: “I left Blackburn a season after we won the title and we were nowhere near winning the title so that kind of make my mind up because I wanted to do then go on and do things.
      “If Harry wants an excuse then Tottenham and that team are giving him one because they didn’t show up for the cup final and they didn’t show up again today [against Leeds].
      “If I was in his position then I’d be looking elsewhere to go and try to win some trophies”
      MAGUIRE LATEST
      Manchester United star Harry Maguire is set to miss the final four Premier League games of the season.
      Maguire suffered an ankle injury on Sunday against Aston Villa and is in a race against time for full fitness ahead of the Europa League final against Villarreal on May 26.
      United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not the only one sweating over the centre-back’s condition as the same goes for England boss Gareth Southgate.
      The Three Lions kick-off their Euro 2020 campaign next month at home to Croatia on June 13, with the 28-year-old a key figure in Southgate’s preferred back-five.
      HAA-RDLY LIKELY
      Manchester United are going to focus on Jadon Sancho and ditch plans to sign Erling Haaland as well as Harry Kane.
      That is according to United legend Gary Neville, who doesn’t expect the Red Devills to go after another striker with Edinson Cavani signing a new one-year deal.
      Neville told Sky Sports: “I don’t think they will sign another striker.
      “I haven’t got the contacts on the inside that I used to have so it’s my assumption.
      “They’ve been desperate for Sancho. You look at Manchester United’s recruitment last summer and they didn’t get Sancho and they were criticised for that. I criticised them for that.
      “But they could look incredibly smart this year if they get him nearer half the price and they’ve waited 12 months”
      GETTY IMAGES
      GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS
      Edinson Cavani has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with Manchester United.
      The striker has been in blistering form in recent weeks and ended speculation of a move to Boca Juniors with the confirmation on Monday.
      He said: “I have been touched with how much the supporters have wanted me to stay, and I will give everything to bring them happiness and joy with my performances on the field.”
      On a sour note for the club, SunSport expect Harry Maguire to miss the rest of the Premier League season.
      The race is on for the United captain to reach the Europa League final while the Red Devils await the results of an ankle scan.
      He will definitely miss tonight’s clash with Leicester, kicking off at 6pm on BT Sport.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is unhappy that his side faces three games in five days after Thursday’s Liverpool game was rescheduled following fan protests.
      Ahead of rotating his team, the Norwegian complained: “Talking about integrity in the league and stuff, don’t blame me when I have to make changes because I have to.
      “It’s not safe for them to play all four so I have to prioritise. I wish I could have said ‘let’s go full out in all the games’ but it’s impossible.
      “That’s the hard bit for me, knowing if I do play this 11 on Tuesday and then again on Thursday it’s impossible. I run too much of a risk in injuring them.”
      NEXT UP
      Tuesday, May 11, 6pm.
      Mark it in your diary for Manchester United’s next match action as the Red Devils host Leicester.
      Avoiding defeat will be enough to keep their technically-feasible title hopes alive while the Foxes are in need of a good result in their top-four bid.
      The game is live on BT Sport.
      Credit: AP
      DON’T ROO WORRY
      Marcus Rashford’s No 1 target is bringing silverware back to Manchester United — not breaking Wayne Rooney’s goals records.
      The England forward admits United’s four-year trophy drought has been frustrating, with the Red Devils painfully losing a string of semi-finals.
      Rashford said: “It’s about silverware. 
      “Nobody has been as happy as we were since we won the Europa League in 2017. We’ve got to semi-finals and finals and keep getting beaten. 
      “It’s frustrating. Your personal things get put to one side as you want to achieve the team things so bad. 
      “So I just think about scoring and assists for the team.”
      OPEN THE FLOOD-GATE
      Gareth Southgate has been told that ‘special’ Mason Greenwood can turn a game around for him in a split second at the Euros.
      England boss Southgate was at Villa Park on Sunday to see Greenwood crack home a second-half goal to put Manchester United ahead in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa.
      And Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “I’m sure Gareth knows.
      “He knows Mason well enough. He knows Mason can turn a game around in one split second.
      “He’s working, learning on the job, getting more robust and he’s played more than 100 games for us and is our top goal scorer as a teenager, he’s been incredible.
      “He’ll have a long, long future with England and I’m sure Gareth will think long and hard about which 26 he’s going to pick. I like him, I like the boy which says itself what I would do.”
      AJ ON THE PRIZE
      Marco van Basten has warned Ajax’s stars to use Donny van de Beek as a cautionary tale when thinking of leaving the club.
      The Dutchman has failed to star for Manchester United since his move from Amsterdam last year.
      And club legend van Basten told Ziggo Sport: “It just shows what a great life they have when they play at Ajax.
      “They all think very quickly that they are a big boy here and can make it in other countries, but in the Netherlands, there is a nice competition.
      “In a team like Ajax you are really helped, especially in the No.10 position. Then you often see that they go abroad and it is a different story.”
      Credit: EPA
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      Cristiano Ronaldo future LATEST, Aguero ‘desperate for Barcelona move’, Kane update – Man City, Chelsea transfer news

      by

      SERGIO AGUERO reportedly wants a move to Barcelona this summer – but boss Ronald Koeman is keen to bag former Man Utd man Memphis Depay.Meanwhile Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus future appears uncertain after they lost 3-0 to Serie A rivals AC Milan.
      And Harry Kane has been told by Alan Shearer that he should QUIT Tottenham in order to win trophies.
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      Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
      TEAM NEWS
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has sprung a shock with a heavily rotated side for tonight’s clash against Leicester.
      🚨 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨Ole makes 🔟 changes the side which beat Aston Villa — let’s go, Reds! 👊#MUFC #MUNLEI— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 11, 2021

      PJAN OF ACTION
      Barcelona are reportedly keen to sign Chelsea midfielder Jorginho in the summer and are willing to offer Miralem Pjanic in exchange.
      The Bosnian moved to the Nou Camp in a high-profile switch from Juventus last year, but he has failed to live up to expectations in Spain.
      According to Sport, Barca are keen to offload the player at the end of the season, and have identified in-form Jorginho as a possible replacement.
      The Catalan side are even exploring the viability of a swap deal involving the pair.
      However it remains to be seen if the West Londoners would be persuaded into a deal considering Jorginho’s recent stunning displays.

      TOUGHEN UP
      Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as ‘tough as old boots’.
      The Scot told the Guardian: “At United, all the best players were mentally tough.
      “Ronaldo is tough, honestly, as old boots. He was always going to be a great player because he had it up there [Ferguson taps his head].
      “We played a part in that because Eric Harrison, the [youth] coach, made it tougher for the youngsters.
      “He said, ‘If you don’t have mental toughness, you’ll never make United’s first team.'”
      TUCHEL ON FA CUP
      Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel insists his players are fully concentrated on Arsenal and not Saturday’s FA Cup final against Leicester.
      Tuchel said: “We just have an eye on the players’ workload and on the statistics that we have, who is maybe overloaded on high speed and from that we will decide who is at risk of injury. Everyone who is not at risk of injury will be available for the game.
      “It’s not the time to manage the game on Saturday now. Now is the time to manage the game on Wednesday.
      “We’re in the middle of a race for the top four and cannot judge games”
      GETTY IMAGES
      TUCHEL ON KOVACIC
      Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Mateo Kovacic will be unavailable for Wednesday’s clash with Arsenal but is very pleased with the way Billy Gilmour has filled in.
      Tuchel said: “He [Kovacic] is not ready for tomorrow, we have to postpone it to Wembley. His personal race is on to make it to the squad for Wembley.
      “Billy Gilmour had to step up now because we miss Kova so much and we play normally always with a double-six, so we were rotating constantly between N’Golo [Kante], Jorgi[Jorginho] and Kova. Once we miss Kova now for so many games, so many weeks, it was on Billy to step up and I was very happy that he could deliver when it was needed.
      ‘So full credit for that, but Kova is a big loss with his ability to drive with the ball, his speed on the ball, without the ball. Kova is such a positive character and unique player, a real fighter on who you can always rely in games and training.
      ‘We really miss him, he is a good match with Jorgi and N’Golo in all combinations. So it’s a big miss and I can’t wait until he’s back in full team training. He’s taken some steps in the right direction and I hope he can rejoin team training after our game with Arsenal.”
      FIRST SIGNING
      Manchester United’s new director of football John Murtough is close to completing his first signing.
      According to the Daily Telegraph, the Red Devils are closing in on Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
      However, Heaton’s imminent arrival doesn’t mean either David de Gea or Dean Henderson, who’ve been battling for the No1 position, are on their way out of United.
      Instead, the United academy graduate is joining up as a third-choice goalkeeper
      ARTETA ON CRITICISM
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta addressed all the criticism the team has received from former players, fans and the media amid a poor season.
      Arteta said: “I think everybody is entitled to give their opinions and when they have the chance to do that, they have to say what they feel.
      “Again, it’s nothing for me to say. I cannot control that. If you ask me what I would like to have around the team and around everything that is related to the football club, is that we have the unity and stability to work. But if it’s not the case, it’s nothing that I can do.
      “They are entitled to their opinions. The only way I can prove that is by having a team that performs on the pitch and makes them proud. That’s the only thing that I can do. The only thing I can be judged on is do I create the necessary environment for a top, elite team to compete at the higher level and get everybody in the condition to do their best?
      “And after that, do I get the best out of the players that I have? The maximum, whatever the level is, do I get the best out of that? This is how I judge myself and at the end, in the outside world, how I am going to be judged is just with results, nothing else.
      “What we’ve done good before, in the past, in the process… it’s irrelevant. It’s only what you get from that result when you are on that pitch”
      ARTETA ON TRANSFERS
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta addressed the possibility of certain players leaving the club in the summer.
      Arteta said: “I think that having a pre-season is going to be really helpful because we haven’t had any time to work together yet, since we arrived.
      “But after that, let’s see where we finish next season and the amount of games that we have to play.
      “But obviously, in terms of game preparation and time to coach them, it’s much better to be in that position rather than not having any time to prepare between games.
      “There are so many things to do because we already have a lot of players on loan and a lot of players with contracts still that we need to sort.
      “It will depend what happens with a lot of those players and what we are able to recruit to improve the team, that is going to determine where we are”
      ARTETA ON CHELSEA TEAM NEWS
      Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta discussed Wednesday’s clash at Chelsea and shared some team news.
      Arteta said: “Well probably they’ve been the best team in the league in the last few months, what Thomas [Tuchel] has been able to do since he arrived has been exceptional. He put the team in two finals, the way the team is looking, how solid they are defensively as well, how composed and regular they have been in their performance has been excellent.
      “We have to see today, there were some issues over the weekend again. We are playing every three days and there is no time to train yet, today is the first day so we will have to wait and see. Yes [there were] some injuries, yes.
      “Well the situation with David [Luiz] is that he is not yet recovered, we will see how he does in the next few weeks. The rest are still in contention but we will have to see today how they come”
      POLICE PRESENCE
      The police has made its presence felt outside Old Trafford ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Leicester tonight.
      This comes after last Sunday’s protests that saw a chunk of fans breaking in United’s ground and staging a demonstration outside The Lowry Hotel where the team was staying.
      More protests have been scheduled for the remaining home games, including tonight’s clash with the Foxes.
      Red Devils fans demonstrated against the Glazer family, who own the club, following the European Super League fiasco
      Paul Cousans/Zenpix Ltd.
      BELLERIN REPLACEMENTS
      Arsenal star Hector Bellerin seems likely to exit the club at the end of the season.
      The Gunners are already lining up potential replacements as Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan appear keen to sign Bellerin in the summer.
      The north Londoners are keeping tabs on Norwich ace Max Aarons as well as Real Betis player Emerson.
      Manager Mikel Arteta has been promised funds in the summer by majority shareholder Stan Kroenke, who is looking to rebuild his relationship with the fans after the European Super League fiasco
      GETTY IMAGES
      ARSENAL EXIT
      Arsenal are facing a massive exodus of players from the Emirates ahead of the summer transfer window.
      According to Football London, Dani Ceballos seems set to end his loan stint with the Gunners and return to Real Madrid after a series of errors in midfield.
      Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin, Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Sead Kolasinac are also available for transfer at the end of the season.
      Stuttgart want to extend their loan deal for defender Dinos Mavropanos but also want to add a buying clause
      CAM AND GET HIM
      Arsenal have made Rennes star Eduardo Camavinga their top transfer target ahead of the summer.
      That is according to Le10Sport, who claim the Gunners are doing everything they can to lure Camavinga to the Emirates as manager Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his midfield.
      The 18-year-old ace is considered as one of the hottest prospects in the market and has earned attention from Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
      Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is very impressed with the France international, who will cost an excess of £50million
      CLOCK TICKING
      Manchester United want to complete Jadon Sancho’s transfer before this summer’s delayed Euro 2020 competition.
      That is according to Bild, who claim United don’t want a fresh bid for Sancho to turn into another saga.
      The Red Devils are lining up an £80million swoop for the star forward, which is lower than last year’s £91m offer.
      The Euros are set to kick off on June 11 when Turkey face Italy
      HAALAND BOOST
      Manchester United’s decision to hand Edinson Cavani a one-year extension works as a major boost for other clubs keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.
      United have been linked with Haaland in the last two years but Cavani’s new deal means the Red Devils may not be keen on going after another striker.
      That gives the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona more hope of landing Haaland in the summer.
      However, Dortmund have proven to be fierce negotiators, as shown by United’s failed bid to buy Jadon Sancho last year, and will demand at least £30million for the Norway international
      SAN STORM
      Manchester United are lining up an £80million summer swoop for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.
      That is according to the Daily Star, who claim United will make an offer that’s lower than their £91m bid that was turned down in the summer.
      Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been rating Sancho as a top target for a while now.
      And this time Dortmund appear keen to sell their star winger
      GETTY IMAGES
      HAA-RDLY LIKELY
      Manchester United are going to focus on Jadon Sancho and ditch plans to sign Erling Haaland as well as Harry Kane in the summer.
      That is according to United great Gary Neville, who doesn’t expect the Red Devills to go after another striker with Edinson Cavani signing a new one-year deal.
      Neville told Sky Sports: “I don’t think they will sign another striker.
      “I haven’t got the contacts on the inside that I used to have so it’s my assumption.
      “They’ve been desperate for Sancho. You look at Manchester United’s recruitment last summer and they didn’t get Sancho and they were criticised for that. I criticised them for that.
      “But they could look incredibly smart this year if they get him nearer half the price and they’ve waited 12 months”
      KANE GO ON
      Harry Kane has been urged to leave Tottenham in the summer in order to boost his chances of winning silverware.
      Premier League Hall of Famer Alan Shearer believes it is now time for Kane to seek greener pastures as time will soon start to run out on his career.
      Shearer told Match of the Day: “I left Blackburn a season after we won the title and we were nowhere near winning the title so that kind of make my mind up because I wanted to do then go on and do things.
      “If Harry wants an excuse then Tottenham and that team are giving him one because they didn’t show up for the cup final and they didn’t show up again today [against Leeds].
      “If I was in his position then I’d be looking elsewhere to go and try to win some trophies”
      PAY DAY
      Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero wants to join Barcelona in the summer like “crazy” and is even willing to charge less.
      But Barca manager Ronald Koeman prefers Lyon star Memphis Depay and will prioritise him if he remains in charge of the Blaugrana next season.
      That is according to Mundo Deportivo, who hint that talks with Memphis are advanced as the winger is looking for a house in the Catalan capital.
      However, the same report suggests that a deal with Aguero will become a lot more possible if Lionel Messi stays at the club
      RONALDO SITUATION
      Cristiano Ronaldo looks likely to miss out on Champions League football for the first time in 19 years.
      Juventus are fifth in the Serie A table, which means they need to win all of their remaining three fixtures and hope either Napoli, AC Milan or Atalanta drop points.
      Reports have suggested Ronaldo is keen to leave Turin in the summer but nothing is set in stone yet.
      But Juventus managing director Fabio Paratici insisted earlier this year that the club would be “holding on to him,” despite his recent struggles on the pitch
      GETTY IMAGES
      GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
      Fulham were relegated from the Premier League on Monday night after a 2-0 defeat to Burnley.
      Ashley Westwood and Chris Wood struck in a convincing first-half display for the Clarets at Craven Cottage to seal their safety.
      It means all three relegation places are confirmed with three games to go.
      Elsewhere, Edinson Cavani has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with Manchester United.
      The striker has been in blistering form in recent weeks and ended speculation of a move to Boca Juniors with the confirmation on Monday.
      He said: “I have been touched with how much the supporters have wanted me to stay, and I will give everything to bring them happiness and joy with my performances on the field.”
      On a sour note for the club, SunSport expect Harry Maguire to miss the rest of the Premier League season.
      The race is on for the United captain to reach the Europa League final while the Red Devils await the results of an ankle scan.
      And Premier League games will welcome up to 10,000 supporters inside stadiums for the final two rounds of fixtures.
      Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the news as lockdown restrictions continue to ease from May 17.
      The penultimate set of Prem fixtures includes a potential top-four decider between Leicester and Chelsea while Man City fans will likely see their future champions at home to Everton on the final day.
      ED SCREWED ON
      Edinson Cavani has signed a new one-year Manchester United deal – ending the club’s plans for a new striker, writes Martin Blackburn.
      United moved quickly to seal another 12 months as mega-money moves for Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland look increasingly difficult.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s hunt for a new forward looks to have been put on hold for the next 12 months.
      Spurs are understood to be unwilling to let England captain Kane move to a Premier League rival — even if the star made it clear he wanted to move. 
      And a move for Dortmund forward Haaland comes at a huge price, agents fees and demands that United are currently not willing to meet.

      BLADE RUNNER
      Slavisa Jokanovic has been sounded out about taking over from Chris Wilder as Sheffield United manager, writes Michael Morgan.
      The relegated Blades have invited the former Watford and Fulham boss for talks after plans to appoint Oostende’s Alexander Blessin and Bramall Lane caretaker chief Paul Heckingbottom backfired.
      A move for German Blessin, 47, hit the buffers because he doesn’t fulfil the requirements to be granted a work permit.
      And Heckingbottom, 43, has now become an outsider in the race to replace Wilder because Blades bigwigs have concerns over his ability after winning only one of his eight games in temporary charge so far. 
      Jokanovic, 52, wants to work in England again following a successful stint in Qatar, where he led Al-Gharafa into the qualifying rounds of the AFC Champions League.
      FULL REPORT
      Catch all the action from Burnley’s win that relegates Fulham with Tom Barclay’s match report.
      Read the full rundown here.

      RECORD
      It’s a Premier League first to have the three relegation spots confirmed with three games to go.
      Aside from a short burst from Fulham, it’s been a real formality for much of the season – a real shame (unless you’re a Southampton, Brighton, Newcastle, Burnley or Arsenal fan…).
      Load more entries… More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo Juventus future LATEST, Kane told to quit Tottenham, Sancho UPDATE – Man City, Chelsea transfer news

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S Juventus future appears uncertain after they lost 3-0 to Serie A rivals AC Milan.Meanwhile Harry Kane has been told by Alan Shearer that he should QUIT Tottenham in order to win trophies.
      And we have the latest updates on Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland who both look set to quit Dortmund, while Sergio Aguero could stay in England next season with a new club.
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      Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
      ED SCREWED ON
      Edinson Cavani has signed a new one-year Manchester United deal – ending the club’s plans for a new striker, writes Martin Blackburn.
      United moved quickly to seal another 12 months as mega-money moves for Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland look increasingly difficult.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s hunt for a new forward looks to have been put on hold for the next 12 months.
      Spurs are understood to be unwilling to let England captain Kane move to a Premier League rival — even if the star made it clear he wanted to move. 
      And a move for Dortmund forward Haaland comes at a huge price, agents fees and demands that United are currently not willing to meet.

      BLADE RUNNER
      Slavisa Jokanovic has been sounded out about taking over from Chris Wilder as Sheffield United manager, writes Michael Morgan.
      The relegated Blades have invited the former Watford and Fulham boss for talks after plans to appoint Oostende’s Alexander Blessin and Bramall Lane caretaker chief Paul Heckingbottom backfired.
      A move for German Blessin, 47, hit the buffers because he doesn’t fulfil the requirements to be granted a work permit.
      And Heckingbottom, 43, has now become an outsider in the race to replace Wilder because Blades bigwigs have concerns over his ability after winning only one of his eight games in temporary charge so far. 
      Jokanovic, 52, wants to work in England again following a successful stint in Qatar, where he led Al-Gharafa into the qualifying rounds of the AFC Champions League.
      FULL REPORT
      Catch all the action from Burnley’s win that relegates Fulham with Tom Barclay’s match report.
      Read the full rundown here.

      RECORD
      It’s a Premier League first to have the three relegation spots confirmed with three games to go.
      Aside from a short burst from Fulham, it’s been a real formality for much of the season – a real shame (unless you’re a Southampton, Brighton, Newcastle, Burnley or Arsenal fan…).
      FULHAM RELEGATED
      Full-time at Craven Cottage and Fulham’s one-season stay in the Premier League is over.
      Scott Parker’s side have officially dropped back to the Championship after a 2-0 defeat to Burnley.
      Ashley Westwood and Chris Wood struck in the first-half as the Clarets secured their own safety – another fantastic feat for Sean Dyche.
      Credit: AFP
      COMMENT
      SunSport’s Dave Kidd has called on Leicester to beat the ‘snakes’ of the European Super League and qualify for next season’s Champions League.
      Read his full column here.
      PORT OF CALL
      Danny Pugh has left his role as Port Vale first-team coach.
      The former Leeds and Stoke player had taken interim charge of the League Two side earlier in the season but is now set for pastures new.

      FULHAM’S FIGHT
      An hour gone at Craven Cottage and Fulham need at least a point to keep their survival hopes alive…
      Burnley lead 2-0 after Ashley Westwood’s opener and this Chris Wood goal.

      NEW DEALS
      Two League One clubs have wrapped up new contracts for their managers.
      Portsmouth have signed up Danny Cowley and brother Nicky, his assistant, to long-term deals.
      And Cambridge, promoted from League Two, have confirmed a fresh three-year deal for Mark Bonner.
      🐮 We’re delighted to announce that Danny and Nicky Cowley have signed long-term contracts to remain at Fratton Park#Pompey— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) May 10, 2021

      GOAL AT FULHAM
      Chris Wood doubles Burnley’s advantage!
      Again, the visitors win possession and head straight for goal, the striker controlled a bouncing ball with a fierce volley into the top corner.
      Can’t say they haven’t deserved it… and Fulham are heading down.
      GOAL AT FULHAM
      Burnley have been well on top and Ashley Westwood puts them 1-0 up on 35 minutes.
      A quick counter sees Matej Vydra beat his man and tee up the midfielder for a smart finish.
      FIT AS A FIDEL
      Liverpool youngster Fidel O’Rourke has agreed a new long-term contract with the club.
      The forward has played 19 times for the Reds Under-23s in their Premier League 2 campaign.
      Fidel O’Rourke has signed a new, extended contract with the Reds 🔴Congratulations, Fidel 👏— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 10, 2021

      LEY OF THE LAND
      Leyton Orient have confirmed their intention to hire a new manager following Jobi McAnuff’s playing retirement.
      The winger has hung up his boots after a spell as player-manager and a new appointment is being eyed in the ‘coming weeks’.
      KICK-OFF AT THE COTTAGE
      A big clash at the bottom of the Premier League is up and running between Fulham and Burnley. We’ll be keeping you up to date with the major goings on here.
      Fulham XI: Areola, Tete, Andersen, Adarabioyo, Robinson, De Cordova-Reid, Lemina, Anguissa, Cavaleiro Lookman, Mitrovic.
      Burnley XI: Pope; Taylor, Mee, Tarkowski, Lowton; McNeil, Westwood, Cork, Brownhill; Wood, Vydra.
      EXCLUSIVE
      Harry Maguire looks set to miss Manchester United’s final four Premier League games in his race against time to be fit for the Europa League final, writes Charlie Wyett.
      The United skipper, although hopeful of being fit for the Villarreal clash, is awaiting the results of an ankle scan after suffering an ankle injury in Sunday’s 3-1 win at Aston Villa
      Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will do everything possible to get Maguire ready for the May 26 final against the Spanish side in Poland.
      And this means Maguire will miss tonight’s home game with former club Leicester and Thursday’s clash with Liverpool.
      He is also unlikely to feature against Fulham next Tuesday or Wolves on the final day of the season on May 23.
      Maguire is determined to win his fitness race but if the scan results show a problem, he will have to ensure he is ready for Euro 2020.
      Credit: EPA
      WOOD YOU KINDLY?
      League One champions Hull have signed up academy talent Harry Wood to a new two-year deal.
      The midfielder made his debut for the club against Charlton on the weekend.
      Make your senior debut ✅Lift the League One trophy ✅Sign a new contract ✅✍️ Congratulations to Harry Wood, who has penned a new two-year deal, with a club option of a further year!#hcafc | #theTigers— Hull (C)ity (@HullCity) May 10, 2021

      TORR-N APART
      Boca Juniors are still yet to make an official move for Lucas Torreira, despite strongly being linked with a move for the Arsenal outcast.
      According to Libertad Digital, Sevilla and Inter Milan are pushing forward with their interest in the Atletico Madrid loanee.
      But his previous pleas to sign for boyhood club Boca appear to have fallen on deaf ears.
      Credit: AFP
      JACK IT IN
      Jack Grealish’s agent Jonathan Barnett has insisted Manchester United are not at the front of the queue to sign the Aston Villa star.
      The injured playmaker was previously strongly linked with Old Trafford and could be a target once again this summer.
      But Barnett told SNTV: “The truth is we don’t know [what will happen]. 
      “There are many [interested] clubs and I wouldn’t put Manchester United at the top of that.
      “But he could stay. He could stay as well so it’s a conversation the club, Aston Villa, will have with Jack and ourselves then we’ll see where we go.”
      WHAM BAM
      Liverpool have been linked with a swoop for Patrick Bamford – but they will have to pay more than expected after the Leeds star’s secret new deal.
      The 27-year-old striker has shone in the Premier League this term for Marcelo Bielsa’s side despite his previous poor spells at Crystal Palace, Norwich, Burnley and Middlesbrough.
      The Athletic have claimed his performances ‘have not gone unnoticed’ by ‘several clubs’, with Liverpool ‘believed to admire’ him.
      Bamford’s contract was widely-thought to be expiring at Elland Road next summer – which could have increased pressure to sell him at the end of the current campaign.
      However, the publication claims the former Chelsea ace has actually penned a 12-month extension LAST YEAR.
      Credit: AP
      LIVE TONIGHT
      A huge clash in the relegation battle tonight as Fulham host Burnley.
      The Cottagers need to avoid defeat to keep alive their survival hopes – with a draw almost certainly not enough as well.
      That clash kicks off at 8pm on Sky Sports.
      Meanwhile, in LaLiga, Real Betis host Granada on Premier Sports with both clubs aiming for a Europa League spot for next season.
      CAM ON NOW
      Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich target has insisted he is not yet decided on his plans for next season.
      The Rennes star, 18, is out of contract in 2022 and hotly-tipped to make a big move this summer.
      He told Telefoot: “It makes you feel flattered and it is nice that teams like Real Madrid or Bayern are interested in your situation, I’m not going to lie.
      “But I have not yet decided with my family what I will do.”
      Credit: AFP
      KWIK-E-MART
      Barcelona could be alerted by reports of Inter Milan being willing to sell Lautaro Martinez.
      Italian daily Corriere della Sera claim the Serie A champions are seeking fresh pay cuts amid their crumbling finances.
      And Blaugrana target Martinez has reportedly been eyed as an ideal candidate, alongside Alessandro Bastoni, to be sold for a big profit.
      ED’S UP
      Edinson Cavani has thanked Manchester United’s fans for encouraging him to sign a new one-year deal with the club.
      He said: “From the very first moment that I arrived, I felt the confidence of the manager. 
      “As a player, this belief gives you the perfect opportunity to play your best football and I want to thank him for that.
      “I have been touched with how much the supporters have wanted me to stay, and I will give everything to bring them happiness and joy with my performances on the field. 
      “I’ve not yet been able to play in front of the Old Trafford crowd and that is something that I cannot wait to do.”

      LAMP ON
      Frank Lampard is the leading contender to be Crystal Palace’s next managerial appointment.
      That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who’ve installed the 42-year-old as favourite to take charge at Selhurst Park.
      However, Lampard’s chances aren’t as strong as they were. The England hero WAS previously available at 1/3 but has drifted out to 6/4 after a flurry of activity in the betting market.
      Next Crystal Palace Manager odds – Betfair

      Frank Lampard – 6/4
      Sean Dyche – 10/3
      Valerien Ismael – 7/2
      Eddie Howe – 5/1
      Steve Cooper – 6/1
      Patrick Vieira – 10/1

      LEAGUE OF LEGENDS
      Chelsea and Manchester City fans WILL be able to attend the Champions League final.
      But supporters of both clubs were facing up to the increasing likelihood of having to travel to Portugal rather than Wembley for the May 29 showpiece.
      A day of intense negotiations between the Government and Uefa over switching the game to Wembley failed to break an impasse.
      As SunSport revealed, Uefa wants guarantees that media, broadcasters, VIPs and sponsors would be free from any restrictions in the country – with the Government wanting them confined to hotel quarters for the rest of their stay and not allowed out to sight-see.
      That is a serious sticking point for Euro chiefs, who are pressing for restrictions to be lifted.
      Although the Government is willing to make significant compromises in order to let the game go ahead, there are concerns that simply waving 2,000 potential Covid spreaders into the country is not feasible or acceptable.
      And that could lead to Uefa and the Government reluctantly conceding Wembley is not a viable option, with the match instead being shifted – as it was last season – to Lisbon’s Estadio da Luz.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus future in doubt, Kane told to quit Spurs, Sancho latest, Arsenal, Man City transfer news

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S Juventus future appears uncertain after they lost 3-0 to Serie A rivals AC Milan.Meanwhile Harry Kane has been told by Alan Shearer that he should QUIT Tottenham in order to win trophies.
      And we have the latest updates on Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland who both look set to quit Dortmund, while Sergio Aguero could stay in England next season with a new club.
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      Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
      ZAK TO SQUARE ONE
      Arsenal are chasing Borussia Monchengladbach’s Denis Zakaria for a summer transfer, it has been claimed.
      According to 90min, the midfielder wants to leave ahead of his contract expiring in 2022.
      And the Gunners are reckoned to be in the running for his signature.
      EXCLUSIVE
      Neil Taylor is wanted by Championship duo Stoke and QPR as well as two Turkish clubs, writes Phil Cadden.
      The Aston Villa left-back, 32, is out of contract with Dean Smith’s side this summer.
      Both Stoke and QPR have expressed their interest in the Wales 43-cap defender.
      But the EFL clubs face competition from Istanbul Basaksehir and Trabzonspor in Turkey for his services on a free transfer.
      Taylor has made just one Premier League appearance for Villa this season, a 15-minute substitute appearance in the 2-0 away defeat to Manchester City in January.
      QUINN IT TO WIN IT
      Even when recalling his historic hat-trick against Arsenal, Mick Quinn can’t help but brings in odds.
      You could say he was always destined to go into racing.
      Check out our feature on the former striker’s journey from the pitch to the stable here.
      Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      ROO THE DAY
      Derby have been plunged back to the brink after the EFL won its appeal to find the Rams guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
      Just three days after the comeback draw against Sheffield Wednesday that kept Derby in the Championship, they are again staring at a potential points deduction that would consign them to League One.
      The final decision will be made by an independent panel, which will rule whether any punishment should be imposed for this season or next term.
      But while the possibility of the panel imposing its penalty immediately is a real one, it is more likely that doing so after the season has finished will be deemed unfair to Derby, the club’s fans and supporters.
      TROUBLE BRU-ING
      Steve Bruce has hinted the returning Toon Army could force him to leave Newcastle.
      The manager remains deeply unpopular among the Newcastle fan-base, who will be back at St James’ Park for next week’s clash against Sheffield United.
      Asked about facing angry supporters, he said: “We are always one dip away from that situation, and it’s something I’ve really got to think long and hard about.
      “It then becomes damaging to the football club and the players.
      “We try and keep them away from all these situations, but if it hampers them then that’s one thing I’ve got to look at.”
      And Bruce, 60, cast further doubt over his future when asked directly on talkSPORT if he will be at the helm beyond the summer.
      The Magpies boss added: “It is for others to decide.
      “Most clubs will have big discussions and review the season. I am a football person and it is still too early to retire yet.
      “But those conversations will happen over the next couple of weeks, I am sure.”

      RASH OF BLOOD
      Wayne Rooney guided Derby to Championship safety on the final day of the season – and he used Marcus Rashford’s success story to help him do that.
      The 35-year-old explained: “Marcus’ story from getting in the first team I actually used it a couple of weeks ago.
      “We’ve had injuries at Derby, and I put a few of the young lads on the bench who hadn’t even trained with us so I used Marcus’ story from that.
      “Marcus came in from nowhere, didn’t really train with us, come in, and impact and look where’s he’s gone on from that.
      “So for those players to try and follow in those footsteps when you get that chance, it’s up to you then to take it, and he’s certainly done that.”

      SAD STATE
      Sadio Mane has claimed he is enduring his worst-ever season with Liverpool set to miss out on Champions League football.
      He told Canal Plus: “This is the worst season of my career. I have to admit it.
      “If you ask me what is wrong I will struggle to give you an answer. Personally I don’t know.
      “I have always tried to be positive, whether things are going well or badly. I question myself all the time.
      “I even underwent a test to take a look at my body. Am I eating the right foods, or has everything changed?
      “But they checked the test results, and everything is fine.
      “I need to understand that in life there are ups and downs.
      “I will keep on working hard – and perhaps in time this situation will pass.”

      LEAGUE ONEDERERS
      Bolton being promoted looked unlikely all season – but perhaps with their record, it was actually IanEvattable.
      Wanderers, under boss Ian Evatt, went up for the 14th time, moving level with Birmingham at the top of the charts for most promotions in English league history.
      Click here to read more.

      JUVE COULD BE KICKED OUT OF SERIE A
      Things are going from bad to worse for Juventus.
      Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina has threatened to kick the club out of Serie A.
      Gravina told Naples radio station Kiss Kiss: “The rules are clear. If Juventus is still part of the Super League when it enters next season, it can’t participate in Serie A.”
      It is believed the Italian giants, Real Madrid and Barcelona are still committed to the doomed project.
      JUVE MILAN HIGHLIGHTS
      And here is why Juventus are in such trouble…
      Massive win for @ACMilan over old rivals Juventus last night 🙌Juventus were the only team in the top 5 not to win this weekend, and sit a point behind 4th place with 3 games to go 😬Recap the action right here 👇 pic.twitter.com/BlmHgGYP8B— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) May 10, 2021

      JUVE BLOWN IT
      Juventus face a desperate battle to get into next year’s Champions League.
      The Italian giants were thumped 3-0 at home by AC Milan at the weekend, a result that sees them OUT of the top four.
      Those places qualify for the Champions League, with fifth-place Juve in the Europa League spot currently.
      Missing out on playing in Europe’s premier competition next season would be a bitter blow for Cristiano Ronaldo and team-mates.
      And it could well end up costing Juve boss Andrea Pirlo his job.
      Juventus are one point off fourth-placed Napoli, both having played the same amount of games on 35.
      The Old Lady are five clear of Lazio in sixth, though played a game more.
      BREAKING NEWS – CAVANI SIGNS NEW DEAL
      Edinson Cavani has signed a new deal at Manchester United, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
      The contract, which runs until June 2022, is expected to be announced in the next few days.
      It is believed Boca Juniors had offered the Uruguayan the chance to return to South America.
      Edinson Cavani has signed his contract extension with Manchester United, here we go! 🚨🇺🇾 #MUFCThe agreement has been completed, Cavani has accepted to stay after Man Utd board and Solskjaer were pushing to keep him. Confirmed and done deal. 🔴 #ManUtd #Cavani— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 10, 2021

      FANCY SINGING, GARETH?
      It’s 34 days to go before England’s Euro 2020 campaign kicks off against Croatia.
      Here’s a video of Bobby Robson and the England players singing ahead of Euro ’88 to get you in the mood!
      Will we see a tune from Gareth Southgate this summer?

      JU BLEW IT
      Cristiano Ronaldo was targeted by the Italian press after ‘one of his worst games EVER’ against AC Milan – with his Juventus future now in doubt.
      Andrea Pirlo’s side crashed out of the Serie A top-four after being humiliated 3-0 at home to AC Milan on Sunday.
      The defeat leaves the Old Lady’s Champions League fate out of their own hands, now one point adrift of fourth-placed Napoli with three games to go.
      And that could spell disaster for Juventus, with Ronaldo potentially set to quit – with former clubs Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United keen on a reunion.
      Paris Saint-Germain are also rumoured to be monitoring the situation.
      Gazzetta dello Sport gave him a team-low match rating of four out of ten and raged: “In the first half [Ronaldo] did not even touch a ball in the area.
      “He wandered a lot around the field without ever finding the position.
      “The most disappointing performance in the most important night.”

      SQUAD OVERHAUL
      Arsenal are planning a major squad overhaul this summer, according to football.london
      Reports claim the Gunners are hoping to raise £60million in player sales as Mikel Arteta looks to build a squad capable of competing again.
      Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is believed to be top of their wish list.
      The 18-year-old has made three appearances for France’s senior team and has been linked with a move to several European giants.
      Arsenal are also believed to be interested in Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.
      Rumours suggest Arteta will allow Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin, Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Sead Kolasinac to leave the club.
      MCBURNIE SCANDAL
      Here is the video of Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie allegedly attacking a man…
      Sheff Utd star Oli McBurnie ‘appears to punch man then stamp on phone’ in street bust-up
      LOCKED DOWN
      Manchester United have tightened up their security around Old Trafford by erecting steel barriers following furious fan protests.
      Angry supporters stormed inside the Theatre of Dreams last week during heated protests against the club’s owners which forced their clash against Liverpool to be postponed.
      Click here to read more.

      FOREST DUMP
      Nottingham Forest are set for a drastic rebuild this summer with 14 players leaving, according to reports.
      On top of that, six new transfers are wanted as well as a major overhaul off the field with staff and boardroom personnel.
      According to The Telegraph, however, Chris Hughton’s job is safe and the club want him to be in charge to oversee the changes.
      He will fly to Athens this week to sit down with owner Evangelos Marinakas and discuss the City Ground road map.
      Forest finished this season 17th in the Championship, nine points clear of the relegation zone but scoring just 37 goals in 46 matches – only Derby scored fewer.
      After defeat at home to Preston on the final day, Hughton admitted there was an ‘uncomfortable, busy summer’ ahead.
      Seven players’ contracts end in June.
      Credit: Getty
      DAVE DESPAIR
      David Moyes has questioned the ‘integrity’ of the Premier League as Manchester United play two of West Ham’s Champions League rivals within 48 hours.
      The Hammers are battling to finish inside the top four and are currently fifth, five points off Leicester and one clear of Liverpool who have a game in hand.
      Moyes said: “It was really interesting when we were coming back [from the coronavirus lockdown], a lot was made about integrity.
      “Ole can do what he likes with his team, but I don’t know if there was a better way to sort the fixtures out.
      “Manchester United can always put out a strong team.”

      MCBURNIE SHOCK
      Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie faces a potential police probe after a video of him allegedly attacking a man in the street went viral.
      The £20million ace, 24, is seen to march up to the man as he videos him on his phone.
      He appears to knock the phone out of his hand before a confrontation ensued.
      It is believed the victim was allegedly attacked after he made fun of McBurnie for getting relegated.
      His Sheffield United side have endured a woeful season – winning just five games while scoring only 18 goals.
      The row with McBurnie is said to have been around 8.30pm on Saturday in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire.
      It is understood the man was left shaken and with cuts to his face and a swollen, black eye.
      He did not need hospital treatment and is still deciding whether to report it to the police.
      GUNNED DOWN
      Martin Keown has blasted Arsenal AGAIN as he backed protests against their owners and said the club is ‘going backwards’.
      Keown said on BT Sport: “The fans need to have their say. The club is becoming stagnated. There’s a lack of investment.
      “The Kroenkes – do they really love the club? They need to spend massively. Leno won’t sign a new contract. Luiz is leaving.
      “Bellerin isn’t signing a new contract. There’s a remarkable amount of players that are uncertain of their futures.
      “Arteta needs to take some responsibility. He’s outsmarted himself. He needs to keep it simple.
      “I do believe he’s an outstanding coach, he needs to prove he’s an outstanding manager. It’s going to be difficult to back him if he loses again.
      “It’s about results. He’s been here 18 months and he’s won an FA Cup, but when we look at league form it’s fallen away.
      “The football club is going backwards and they have to arrest that slide.
      “How much of the problem is about the manager and how much is about the squad?
      “The manager is concerning me because he always blames the players. Massive expenditure is needed. New owners could be the catalyst.”

      ONE AND LEONLY
      More than a dozen players have been dubbed the ‘Next Messi’ over the years.
      But none have ever reached the heights scaled by Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi… not even close.
      Click here to find out what happened to the promising talents.

      MAUR TO COME
      Maurizio Sarri could be in line for a shock return to England with either Arsenal or Tottenham, it’s claimed.
      The Italian has been out of work since being given the boot by Juventus last August – despite guiding the Old Lady to their 36th Scudetto.
      Sarri is said to be eager to get back in the dugout next season, with Italian journalist Carlo Laudisa claiming the 62-year-old could very well return to the Premier League.
      During an appearance on Radio Punto Nuovo, he said: “Sarri could go to England.
      “The Tottenham solution being the most plausible, but the Arsenal bench could also become free, as [Mikel] Arteta has missed all the Gunners’ season goals.”
      Credit: AP:Associated Press
      FINAL STRAW
      Alan Shearer has urged Harry Kane to QUIT Tottenham and finally get his hands on some well-earned silverware – with Manchester United strongly linked.
      Match of the Day host Gary Lineker asked: “Does this sort of lacklustre display make any difference to the sort of decision Harry Kane will have to make at the end of this season?
      “Put yourself in Harry Kane’s shoes – Alan, you ended up at Newcastle, although it’s a different order and he started at his hometown club, but what do you think?”
      Shearer replied: “When I left Blackburn, I had a season after we won the title and we were nowhere near winning the title.
      “That sort of made my mind up as I then wanted to go on and try and do things.
      “So if Harry wants an excuse, then Tottenham and that team are giving him one.”

      RENNES 1 PSG 1
      Neymar celebrated his new contract by scoring a penalty but it was not enough to earn ten-man Paris Saint-Germain a win in a major dent to their title challenge.
      Serhou Guirassy equalised for Rennes with a header 20 minutes from time before Presnel Kimpembe saw red late as the Ligue 1 race remains out of the champions’ hands.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side sit second on 76 points, three adrift of leaders Lille with two games to go.
      Lille thrashed RC Lens 3-0 on Friday and now need four points from their last two matches against mid-table Saint-Etienne and Angers to guarantee their first Ligue 1 title since 2011.
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      Camavinga Arsenal’s outright No1 transfer target, Smith-Rowe ‘to be offered new deal’, Daniel Ek takeover latest updates

      by

      ARSENAL have made Rennes starlet Eduardo Camavinga their No1 target, according to reports.Meanwhile, Emile Smith-Rowe is set to be one of the Arsenal players offered a new contract.
      Off the pitch, Daniel Ek and his consortium have held a meeting with the Arsenal Supporters Trust as the Spotify founder steps up his takeover bid.
      However, the Kroenke family are reportedly planning a huge summer of spending on transfers as they look to get angry Gunners fans on side.
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      Stay up to date with every twist and turn from North London in our live blog…
      DOWN THE VIC
      Arsenal are certainly a club haunted by missing out on signing some pretty big names before they went on to become superstars.
      And reports in Italy name Dusan Vlahovic as their latest near-miss.
      According to Corriere Fiorentino, the striker was subject to an approach from the Gunners while breaking out at Partizan Belgrade.
      Real Madrid were also said to be interested but he signed for Fiorentina and is now worth around £50million ahead of a busy summer.
      Add another name to the list…
      Credit: AP
      BERND OUT
      Arsenal are ready to put two first-team stars up for sale this summer, according to reports.
      Bernd Leno and Hector Bellerin are both named by Footbal.London as on the chopping block in Mikel Arteta’s post-season overhaul.
      Permanent sales will reportedly be sought for Ainsley-Maitland Niles, Lucas Torreira, Sead Kolasinac and Matteo Guendouzi, all of whom are out on loan at the moment.
      ESR’S FIRST
      Emile Smith Rowe scored his first Premier League goal in the 3-1 victory against West Brom.
      And it wasn’t a bad way for the 20-year-old to open his account…

      ARSENAL’S PREM STATS
      Let’s take a look at Arsenal’s Premier League stats following their win against West Brom.
      Alexandre Lacazette remains their top scorer in the league with 13.
      Willian, despite facing fierce criticism, has assisted five goals – scoring his first in the Premier League for the Gunners at the weekend.
      Here’s the data…

      BENT WANTS POTTER
      Darren Bent believes Brighton boss Graham Potter should replace Mikel Arteta as Arsenal manager.
      The ex-Tottenham striker told TalkSport: “I think it is time for Mikel Arteta to move on.
      “My patience is up with him. I think Arsenal need to go in a new direction and bring in somebody who can get the best out of that group of players because right now he is not doing that.
      “I don’t think players are respecting him like they once did at the very start and I can only see it going one way.”
      ESR INJURY UPDATE
      Mikel Arteta is not sure if Emile Smith Rowe will be fit to face Chelsea on Wednesday.
      Speaking to the club’s official website, the Gunners boss said: “I don’t know [the extent on the injury], he felt something in his hamstring so we took him off.
      “Sometimes he cramps and that’s something that’s been happening for a while because he’s still adapting to the league, to the amount of games every three days.
      “Hopefully it’s nothing major.”
      LOOK AWAY NOW, DAVID SEAMAN
      It’s 26 years since Real Zaragoza’s Nayim chipped David Seaman from 40 yards to beat Arsenal in the Cup Winners’ Cup final.
      What makes this moment even more painful is that Nayim used to play for Tottenham, winning the FA Cup in 1991.

      WILLIAN STUNNER
      Willian finally scored his first Premier League goal yesterday in Arsenal’s win against West Brom.
      But it was certainly worth the wait!

      SQUAD OVERHAUL
      Arsenal are planning a major squad overhaul this summer, according to football.london
      Reports claim the Gunners are hoping to raise £60million in player sales as Mikel Arteta looks to build a squad capable of competing again.
      Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is believed to be top of their wish list.
      The 18-year-old has made three appearances for France’s senior team and has been linked with a move to several European giants.
      Arsenal are also believed to be interested in Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.
      Rumours suggest Arteta will allow Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin, Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Sead Kolasinac to leave the club.
      HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNIS BERGKAMP
      It’s also Dennis Bergkamp’s birthday!
      The Arsenal legend, who turns 52 today, won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups at Highbury between 1995 and 2006.
      Bergkamp also won the Dutch league, the Cup Winners’ Cup and two Uefa Cup titles – and much more – during his illustrious career.

      HAPPY BIRTHDAY SYLVAIN WILTORD
      Today is Sylvain Wiltord’s 47th birthday!
      The ex-Arsenal star helped the club win two Premier League titles and two FA Cups between 2000 and 2004.
      Wiltord also won four French league titles during his career and famously scored a last minute equaliser in the Euro 2000 final, helping France win the tournament.
      Here’s the moment he scored the goal that secured the Premier League title for the Gunners in 2002…

      ARTETA PRAISES SAKA
      Mikel Arteta has praised Bukayo Saka following Arsenal’s victory against West Brom.
      The Gunners boss told the official club website: “He’s a kid who has the intelligence to understand different positions.
      “Today we asked him to play [left back] because of how West Brom set up, and we believed that we could exploit his qualities there.
      “He still has things to learn obviously defensively because it’s been a while since he played in that position, but I think he had the right approach to it.
      “That’s the first and most important thing. And then his quality defines a lot of moments.”
      MAUR TO COME
      Maurizio Sarri could be in line for a shock return to England with either Arsenal or Tottenham, it’s claimed.
      The Italian has been out of work since being given the boot by Juventus last August – despite guiding the Old Lady to their 36th Scudetto.
      Sarri is said to be eager to get back in the dugout next season, with Italian journalist Carlo Laudisa claiming the 62-year-old could very well return to the Premier League.
      During an appearance on Radio Punto Nuovo, he said: “Sarri could go to England.
      “The Tottenham solution being the most plausible, but the Arsenal bench could also become free, as [Mikel] Arteta has missed all the Gunners’ season goals.”
      Credit: AP:Associated Press
      LOAN RANGER
      Arsenal are in talks with Stuttgart over extending Konstantinos Mavropanos’ loan deal at the Bundesliga side.
      The 23-year-old has impressed since joining the German outfit where he has featured in 21 games in all competitions.
      Former Arsenal head of recruitment Sven Mislintat, now Sporting Director at Stuttgart, revealed in March he would like to keep the defender for another campaign.
      And he has now claimed that both Arsenal and the German club are in negotiations about a loan extension.
      Speaking to Kicker, Mislintat said: “[We are] in good talks with my ex-club. We are trying to get a loan.
      “Buying is difficult in the current situation. Now there is a bit of back and forth.”
      ARTETA DELIGHTED WITH WIN
      Mikel Arteta has expressed his delight at Arsenal’s victory against West Brom.
      Speaking to the club’s official website, the Gunners boss said: “It’s always the best way to remedy the pain that we had [following the Villarreal defeat].
      “To win the game, to score the three beautiful goals that we have done, and create so many more chances.
      “As well, I think that when we conceded the goal we looked nervous for a period before we got Thomas on the pitch to recover some control.
      “Overall, after not going through to the final, it’s always very important to win the game.”
      ‘WAITING ALL SEASON’
      Emile Smith Rowe has been discussing his goal against West Brom yesterday – his first in the Premier League.
      The midfielder told Arsenal’s official website: “It’s a moment I’ve been waiting for all season to be fair.
      “I’ve been waiting to score for this wonderful club so it was a dream come true for me.
      “B [Bukayo Saka] got the ball down the wing and when he crossed it I just tried to stay as calm as I could and it was a good finish, I’m happy with it.
      “I feel like [Bukayo’s] got so much experience now and he’s so versatile. He can play in so many different positions and stuff.
      “I feel like we know each other inside out and we’re going to keep carrying on and keep playing games together.”
      WHAT A HIT
      Nicolas Pepe scored an incredible goal yesterday in Arsenal’s 3-1 win against relegated West Brom.
      The 25-year-old has struggled for form during his two-year stint at the Emirates – scoring just 11 Premier League goals – but fans will be hoping yesterday’s strike can kick-start his Arsenal career.

      GUNNED DOWN
      Martin Keown has blasted Arsenal AGAIN as he backed protests against their owners and said the club is ‘going backwards’.
      Keown said on BT Sport: “The fans need to have their say. The club is becoming stagnated. There’s a lack of investment.
      “The Kroenkes – do they really love the club? They need to spend massively. Leno won’t sign a new contract. Luiz is leaving.
      “Bellerin isn’t signing a new contract. There’s a remarkable amount of players that are uncertain of their futures.
      “Arteta needs to take some responsibility. He’s outsmarted himself. He needs to keep it simple.
      “I do believe he’s an outstanding coach, he needs to prove he’s an outstanding manager. It’s going to be difficult to back him if he loses again.
      “It’s about results. He’s been here 18 months and he’s won an FA Cup, but when we look at league form it’s fallen away.
      “The football club is going backwards and they have to arrest that slide.
      “How much of the problem is about the manager and how much is about the squad?
      “The manager is concerning me because he always blames the players. Massive expenditure is needed. New owners could be the catalyst.”

      MORNING ARSENAL FANS
      The Gunners beat West Brom 3-1 at the Emirates yesterday to condemn the Baggies to the drop and inflict Sam Allardyce’s first relegation of his career.
      Emile Smith Rowe and Nicolas Pepe put the North Londoners ahead in the first-half before Matheus Pereira gave the visitors hope in the second-half.
      But in the 90th minute, Willian scored his first Arsenal goal to seal the win.
      Speaking after the game, Mikel Arteta said: “It’s always the best possible remedy to the pain that we have: to win a game and to score three beautiful goals.”
      Elsewhere, Joe Cole said Bukayo Saka was the best player by a mile against West Brom.
      The versatile England ace, 20, was moved to left-back for the visit of the Baggies on Sunday evening having spent much of the season in a more attacking role.
      And Saka put in another supreme performance, including an assist for the first goal.
      The winger will now be hoping to end the season strongly as he aims to cement his spot in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for this summer’s delayed European Championship.
      Saka’s strong showing at the Emirates won’t have hurt his chances either, with ex-England midfielder Cole raving about him. After the game, Cole told BT Sport: “[Saka] was excellent.
      “He was a thorn in [West Brom’s] side. His movement was fantastic. He’s so direct, he drives into areas and picks passes out all the time. He was Arsenal’s best player by a mile.”
      And finally, Yves Bissouma has reportedly requested to leave Brighton at the end of the season – amid intense interest from Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.
      Bissouma joined the Seagulls from Lille in 2018 for a fee that could rise to £15.7million with add-ons. The 24-year-old has shone bright this season proving he is one of the Premier League’s most talented box-to-box midfielders.
      The Mali international’s impressive performances at the Amex Stadium have caught the eye of Arsenal, Liverpool and City.
      According to the Sunday Times, Bissouma has asked to be allowed to leave Brighton, who rate him at £40m.
      That development paves the way for an intense bidding war between three of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
      TOP GUNNER
      Bukayo Saka was Arsenal’s ‘best player by a mile’ in Sunday’s win over West Brom, according to Joe Cole.
      The versatile England ace, 20, was moved to left-back for the visit of the Baggies on Sunday evening having spent much of the season in a more attacking role.
      And Saka put in another supreme performance, including an assist for the first goal, as Arsenal eventually edged past West Brom 3-1.
      The winger will now be hoping to end the season strongly as he aims to cement his spot in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for this summer’s delayed European Championship.
      Saka’s strong showing at the Emirates won’t have hurt his chances either, with ex-England midfielder Cole raving about him. After the game, Cole told BT Sport: “[Saka] was excellent.
      “He was a thorn in [West Brom’s] side. His movement was fantastic. He’s so direct, he drives into areas and picks passes out all the time. He was Arsenal’s best player by a mile.”

      STAT ATTACK
      Arsenal’s seven shots on target tonight is the second-most they’ve managed in a Premier League match this season.
      The most? The 12 they registered in the 4-0 win at West Brom in January.
      They’re going to miss playing them.

      FT: ARSENAL 3-1 WEST BROM
      West Brom are beaten in London, and their immediate return to the Championship is confirmed.
      Albion gave it a go in the second half, and Matheus Pereira halved the half-time deficit with a superb solo goal, but Willian’s free-kick in the final minute – his first Arsenal goal – condemned the Baggies to the drop.

      Defeat in the capital confirms our relegation from the Premier League.#ARSWBA | @eToro— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) May 9, 2021

      ARSENAL 3-1 WBA
      90. He’s done it! Willian has his first goal in an Arsenal shirt!
      The Brazilian won the free-kick with that burst of pace and piece of trickery, and made it clear that he wanted to take it too. For once, he didn’t disappoint.
      Central and 25 yards from goal, the forward curled a beauty over the wall and into the top left corner beyond Sam Johnstone.
      ARSENAL 2-1 WBA
      67. Against the run of play, Mattheus Pereira pulls one back for West Brom in sensational style.
      The Albion forward picks the ball up inside his own half, and runs and runs and runs and runs without challenge.
      When an Arsenal player finally approaches the forward, he unleashes a peach of a low, left-footed drive into the bottom corner past the outstretched arm of Bernd Leno.
      Maybe West Brom are still alive in the Premier League.
      SOU-PER MAN
      Yves Bissouma has reportedly requested to leave Brighton at the end of the season – amid intense interest from Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.
      Bissouma joined the Seagulls from Lille in 2018 for a fee that could rise to £15.7million with add-ons. The 24-year-old has shone bright this season proving he is one of the Premier League’s most talented box-to-box midfielders.
      The Mali international’s impressive performances at the Amex Stadium have caught the eye of Arsenal, Liverpool and City. According to the Sunday Times, Bissouma has asked to be allowed to leave Brighton, who rate him at £40m.
      That development paves the way for an intense bidding war between three of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
      Liverpool are reportedly most interested in the midfielder as manager Jurgen Klopp has been ‘personally researching’ his character as well as off-field behaviour to make sure he is the right fit for the Reds.
      In fact, Klopp sees him as a potential successor to Georginio Wijnaldum, who looks set to exit Anfield on a free transfer once his contract expires in June.

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      Canelo vs Billy Joe Saunders LIVE REACTION: Saunders could ‘RETIRE’ after injury, Fury sends support – latest updates

      by

      CANELO ALVAREZ remains super-middleweight champion of the world after brutally stopping Billy Joe Saunders in round eight of their Texas clash.Saunders corner pulled him out of the fight following a horror eye injury, with promoter Eddie Hearn even suggesting that the Brit could RETIRE.
      It has now been revealed Saunders suffered a fractured eye socket from an uppercut and was taken to hospital for checks.

      Claim more than £800 in bonus cash and 350 free spins

      The bout took place over at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas with 73,000 fans in attendance.
      Follow ALL of the latest reaction and updates below…
      WHAT CAN HE DO?
      As seems to always be the case with Canelo, the question has now shifted to what next for the Mexican superstar?
      SunSport looks at five names who the four-weight champion could potentially face next.
      Click here to see the list.

      CAN ANYONE STOP CANELO?
      Canelo’s a four-weight world champion and has lost to just one man in his professional career – Floyd Mayweather.
      Can anyone stop the Mexican star?

      ICYMI – ANDRADE CRASHES CANELO PRESSER
      Canelo Alvarez was confronted by middleweight rival Demetrius Andrade in an X-rated altercation following the Mexican’s win over Saunders.
      Andrade interrupted the presser by saying: “So when can we get something going on? Let’s make it happen. What’s up Canelo? Congratulations today though, good job baby, good job.
      “I’m a big fan… but what’s up though? When can we make it happen? What you think?”
      Canelo responded: “I know [you’re a fan]. Man, you fight with nobody. You are a champion but you fight with nobody. You won the belt with nobody.”
      Andrade then questioned Canelo’s recent resume, before the American’s dad accused the Mexican of ‘avoiding’ his son.
      This appeared to rile Alvarez who aggressively shouted: “Get the f**k out of here man. Please, get the f**k out of here. It’s my night.”
      Andrade’s father then yelled: “Don’t you say to him to get out here. F**k you. Go ahead, come. Come. F**k you.”
      And Andrade said: “Don’t swear at me. Don’t talk to my dad like that. I’ll f**k you up. I just asked you a simple question. What you gonna do? You tough? Watch your mouth bro. I congratulated you bro, watch your mouth.”
      To which Alvarez said: “Hey, get the f**k out of here because I’m gonna f**k you up right now motherf**r. Hey, get the f**k out of here.
      “Hey, you are a horrible fighter man. You never won against a good fighter. You are a horrible fighter. Horrible fighter. Just pay day, pay day, you want pay day, I know that.”
      Andrade was then escorted from the room, but not before he could get the final word by saying: “Come beat me little b***h. When I see you, it’s on.”
      Canelo Alvarez confronted by Demetrius Andrade in X-rated row during press conference after win over Billy Joe Saunders
      WHO’S NEXT FOR CANELO?
      DAZN asked their followers who Canelo Alvarez should fight next – and there were some interesting responses.
      Most believe the Mexican should fight IBF champion Caleb Plant, who holds the only super middleweight belt missing from Canelo’s collection.
      Some want to see a rematch against Billy Joe Saunders – if the Brit can recover from his horrific eye injury.
      There were calls for a trilogy fight with Gennady Golovkin, although the Kazakhstani would need to make the step up from middleweight.
      Others, meanwhile, want to see Canelo take on unified light middleweight champ Jermell Charlo.
      And there’s talk of a scrap with Demetrius Andrade after the middleweight crashed Canelo’s post-fight press conference.
      There was even one gent who offered to fight the Mexican himself!
      Who do you want to see Canelo fight next?— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 9, 2021

      CARL OF DUTY
      Elsewhere in boxing, Carl Froch has ACCEPTED an exhibition fight with Roy Jones Jr, who is nine-years his senior.
      Jones has been left furious with Froch, who called the American ‘totally shot to bits’ by the time Joe Calzaghe beat him in 2008 aged 39.
      Froch told SecondsOut: “Well, you never know do you?
      “If we’ve got the same sort of format that he had with Mike Tyson, I’d be open to that. I really would.
      “I wouldn’t get in there with a 12, three-minute fight against a current world champion, because it wouldn’t be right.
      “I’d have to be stupid to think I could compete at that level, I retired for a reason.
      “But eight, two-minute rounds against the right dance partner, to share the ring with a legend, an all-time great like Roy Jones Jr, just that would be amazing.”

      CANELO LOVES THE BRITS
      Following his TKO against Billy Joe Saunders, Canelo Alvarez now has seven victories against British opponents.
      The Mexican has also defeated Matthew Hatton, Ryan Rhodes, Amir Khan, Liam Smith, Rocky Fielding and Callum Smith.

      CANELO’S HIT
      A reminder of the punch that ended proceedings in Texas.
      Canelo’s brutal uppercut has left Saunders needing surgery to fix his broken eye socket.
      It’s going to be a long time before we see Billy Joe back in the ring – and it could be the case that he never fights again.

      SAUNDERS DAD GETS TACKLED
      A disturbing video has been published on social media of Billy Joe Saunders’ dad getting tackled by security.
      Tom Saunders, standing alongside heavyweight champ Tyson Fury, jumped the barriers to check on his son after he suffered an awful eye injury.
      He was tackled by security as he made his way to the ring, triggering a mass brawl.
      Here’s the footage…
      Wild scene last night as Tom Saunders, concerned about his son Billy Joe Saunders as fight is stopped, attempts to make way to ring to check on him only to be aggressively pushed by security. Totally out of line from security, IMO #CaneloSaunders pic.twitter.com/4Uw2V18pyh— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) May 9, 2021

      TY IN THE SKY
      Tyson Fury sent out a classy message to Billy Joe Saunders as he flew back on a private jet to continue his preparations to fight Anthony Joshua.
      The WBC heavyweight champion was in Texas to support close friend Billy Joe Saunders, who fought pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez.
      But it ended in heartbreak for Saunders, who was pulled out after round eight with a suspected broken eye socket.
      There was no shame in the defeat and Fury hailed his friend for trying to shock the world.
      He posted on social media: “We thank god for everything and everyone around us, after a great week in Texas with @bjsaunders_ we now keep on moving forward in this journey through life, ‘In God we trust’.
      “People love to hate on others willing to chase there (sic) dreams, @bjsaunders_ tried to be great last night!
      “It wasn’t his night but at least he had the bottle to follow his dreams & heart Red heart, he will always be my bro Smiling face with sunglasses we go back to 15/16, what a night to remember in #30years dallas.”
      Credit: Instagram / @gypsyking101
      MORNING BOXING FANS
      Billy Joe Saunders underwent eye surgery yesterday on the shattered orbital bone he sustained in his defeat to Canelo Alvarez.
      Eddie Hearn tweeted to confirm the Brit was going under the knife after he was taken straight to hospital after the stoppage.
      Several high-profile boxing names – including Chris Eubank Jr – criticised Saunders for his withdrawal but British welterweight Ohara Davies said it was the right thing to do given the quality of his opponent.
      He tweeted: “Some people are comparing Billy Joe’s injury to Daniel Dunois or to Ebanie Bridges eye, they both done very well to fight on despite their injuries, but surely having one Eye against Canelo Alvarez is Different than having one eye against Joe Joyce or Shannon Courtney.”
      After the fight, Canelo was confronted by middleweight rival Demetrius Andrade in an X-rated altercation.
      Andrade interrupted the post-fight press conference by saying: “So when can we get something going on? Let’s make it happen.
      What’s up Canelo? Congratulations today though, good job baby, good job.
      “I’m a big fan… but what’s up though? When can we make it happen? What you think?”
      Canelo responded: “I know [you’re a fan]. Man, you fight with nobody. You are a champion but you fight with nobody. You won the belt with nobody.”
      Andrade then questioned Canelo’s recent resume, before the American’s dad accused the Mexican of ‘avoiding’ his son.
      This appeared to rile Alvarez who aggressively shouted: “Get the f** out of here man. Please, get the f*** out of here. It’s my night.”
      Andrade’s father then yelled: “Don’t you say to him to get out here. F*** you. Go ahead, come. Come. F*** you.”
      And Andrade said: “Don’t swear at me. Don’t talk to my dad like that. I’ll f*** you up. I just asked you a simple question. What you gonna do? You tough? Watch your mouth bro. I congratulated you bro, watch your mouth.”
      To which Alvarez said: “Hey, get the f*** out of here because I’m gonna f*** you up right now motherf***er. Hey, get the f*** out of here.
      “Hey, you are a horrible fighter man. You never won against a good fighter. You are a horrible fighter. Horrible fighter. Just pay day, pay day, you want pay day, I know that.”
      Andrade was then escorted from the room, but not before he could get the final word by saying: “Come beat me little b***h. When I see you, it’s on.”
      GRACIAS AFICIONADOS
      Canelo Alvarez has thanked his fans around the world who supported him during his victory over Billy Joe Saunders last night.
      The Mexican stopped the Brit by shattering his eye socket and he took to Twitter tonight to express his gratitude to those who backed him.
      🇲🇽 Gracias a las más de 70,000 personas que me acompañaron, esto va por ustedes y por todo México. 🇺🇸 Thanks to the more of 70,000 people that joined me, this goes out to all of you and for Mexico. #CaneloSaunders ✅ WBO✅ WBC✅ WBA✅ The Ring Super Middleweight pic.twitter.com/ZYudjjfll8— Canelo Alvarez (@Canelo) May 9, 2021

      ED-ING IN TO SURGERY
      Billy Joe Saunders is undergoing surgery on his eye socket, according to Eddie Hearn.
      The Brit had his orbital bone smashed by Canelo Alvarez overnight in his defeat to the Mexican.
      And the Matchroom promoter updated fans on his current state.
      Just at hospital in Dallas, @bjsaunders_ stayed in overnight. Suffered multiple fractures to orbital area and will undergo surgery this afternoon.— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) May 9, 2021

      CAN-NOT COMPARE
      British welterweight Ohara Davies has had his say on Billy Joe Saunders’ eye injury during his defeat to Canelo last night.
      Saunders withdrew with a shattered eye socket and boxing fans were quick to compare it to other similar incidents.
      Both Ebanie Bridges and Daniel Dubois sustained eye problems in recent fights but Davies reckons the quality of Saunders’ opponent means you can’t compare.
      Some people are comparing Billy Joe’s injury to Daniel Dunois or to Ebanie Bridges eye, they both done very well to fight on despite their injuries, but surely having one Eye against Canelo Alvarez is Different than having one eye against Joe Joyce or Shannon Courtney— Ohara Davies (@OharaDavies) May 9, 2021

      EU GOTTA BE KIDDING!
      Chris Eubank Junior pulled no punches after his old foe Billy Joe Saunders’ corner pulled him out of his fight against Canelo.
      Eubank took to social media to hit out at the Brit and suggested he would not have ‘quit’ if he was in the same situation.
      Chris Eubank Jr continuing to really enjoy Billy Joe Saunders’ defeat to Canelo with several posts on his Instagram story… pic.twitter.com/HNNDRSOWTE— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 9, 2021

      MORE, MORE, MORE!
      Canelo Alvarez continued on his path to greatness with his stoppage win over Billy Joe Saunders overnight.
      Many had tipped the Brit to put a stop to the Mexican’s phenomenal run.
      But after Canelo smashed his eye socket to pieces, Saunders’ corner decided to pull him out and the South American marched on.

      CLASS IS PERMANENT
      Canelo Alvarez took time to taunt Billy Joe Saunders as he forced a stoppage in Dallas overnight.
      The Mexican smashed up the Brit’s eye socket forcing his corner to throw in the towel.
      And this snap as good as summed up the evening’s events.

      BUILDING BRIDGES
      Ebanie Bridges has offered her support to Billy Joe Saunders having initially questioned the severity of his eye injury following his defeat to Canelo Alvarez.
      The British star, 31, was forced to throw in the towel shortly before the ninth round against his superb Mexican opponent on Saturday following a brutal uppercut which fractured his eye socket.
      The Blonde Bomber, 34, initially tweeted: “Don’t tell me he stopped cos of his eye……” But after receiving a backlash from boxing fans, Bridges took to Instagram to throw her support behind Saunders – who was rushed to hospital following his loss to Canelo and could even be forced to retire.
      Bridges wrote: “I Defs wasn’t in there with canelo, but I was in a lot of pain and I couldn’t see for 3 rounds…
      “I went to emergency after the fight as everyone suspected a break but luckily for me there was no breaks. At first I was like wtf why they stopping the fight cos it didn’t look that bad….
      “But I do feel for @saundersbillyjoe I thought he was Defs in the fight, I’m sure he would of liked to continue, the corner did their job. It might not look as bad as mine looked on the outside but I’m sure it’s very serious.”

      TRASH TALK
      Canelo was confronted by middleweight rival Demetrius Andrade in an X-rated altercation following the Mexican’s win over Saunders.
      Andrade interrupted the presser by saying: “So when can we get something going on? Let’s make it happen. What’s up Canelo? Congratulations today though, good job baby, good job.
      “I’m a big fan… but what’s up though? When can we make it happen? What you think?”
      Canelo responded: “I know [you’re a fan]. Man, you fight with nobody. You are a champion but you fight with nobody. You won the belt with nobody.”
      Andrade then questioned Canelo’s recent resume, before the American’s dad accused the Mexican of ‘avoiding’ his son.
      This appeared to rile Alvarez who aggressively shouted: “Get the f**k out of here man. Please, get the f**k out of here. It’s my night.”
      Andrade’s father then yelled: “Don’t you say to him to get out here. F**k you. Go ahead, come. Come. F**k you.”
      And Andrade said: “Don’t swear at me. Don’t talk to my dad like that. I’ll f**k you up. I just asked you a simple question. What you gonna do? You tough? Watch your mouth bro. I congratulated you bro, watch your mouth.”
      To which Alvarez said: “Hey, get the f**k out of here because I’m gonna f**k you up right now motherf**r. Hey, get the f**k out of here.
      “Hey, you are a horrible fighter man. You never won against a good fighter. You are a horrible fighter. Horrible fighter. Just pay day, pay day, you want pay day, I know that.”
      Andrade was then escorted from the room, but not before he could get the final word by saying: “Come beat me little b***h. When I see you, it’s on.”
      Canelo Alvarez confronted by Demetrius Andrade in X-rated row during press conference after win over Billy Joe Saunders
      THE RESULTS
      Here’s a reminder of last night’s results if you’re just joining us.

      Canelo Alvarez defeated Billy Joe Saunders (TKO)
      Elwin Soto defeated Katsunari Takayama (TKO)
      Souleymane Cissokho defeated Kieron Conway (SD)
      Frank Sanchez defeated Nagy Aguilera (TKO)
      Marc Castro defeated Irving Macias Castillo (TKO)
      Keyshawn Davis defeated Jose Antonio Meza (UD)
      Christian Alan Gomez Duran defeated Xavier Wilson (TKO)
      Kelvin Davis defeated Jan Marsalek (UD)

      EYE SPY
      Saunders faces a long and painful route back IF he decides to carry on boxing after Canelo shattered his face and dreams.
      That’s the verdict of SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr – click here to read more.
      Credit: AP:Associated Press
      MORE THAN 73,000 IN ATTENDANCE
      There was more than 73,000 fans inside the AT&T Stadium for the Canelo/Saunders bout.
      That’s around 23,000 more than the Canelo/Smith fight attracted in 2016.

      FURY LOVES TO DANCE
      Tyson Fury was backing fellow Brit Billy Joe Saunders to be victorious last night and will be gutted his mate didn’t manage to win.
      But at least the heavyweight champ had fun at the weigh in.

      EU FANCY IT?
      Chris Eubank Jr has called out Canelo Alvarez after the Mexican defeated the Brit with a brutal uppercut.
      The 31-year-old lost a middleweight bout to Billy Joe Saunders in 2014.
      🤣😂🤣💵💸💵Canelo if you want a Brit to give you a real fight… I’m ready & waiting 👊🏽😎— Chris Eubank Jr (@ChrisEubankJr) May 9, 2021

      WORLD CHAMP PUNDITRY
      Newly crowned flyweight IBF Sunny Edwards knew exactly what Billy Joe Saunders should and shouldn’t do.
      The little mastermind should have been in his corner…
      Billy needs to stay out the way of Canelo’s right hook/uppercut when he’s slipping down to the side— Sunny Edwards (@SunnyEdwards) May 9, 2021

      CANELO WAS WINNING
      DAZN have released the judges scorecards for the fight between Canelo and Saunders.
      Canelo ended the contest with a brutal uppercut in the eighth round – but, according to the scorecards, he was winning the bout anyway.
      Here’s the proof…

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    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Canelo vs Billy Joe Saunders LIVE REACTION: Saunders may ‘RETIRE’ after horror eye injury – latest updates

      by

      CANELO ALVAREZ remains super-middleweight champion of the world after brutally stopping Billy Joe Saunders in round eight of their Texas clash.Saunders corner pulled him out of the fight following a horror eye injury, with promoter Eddie Hearn even suggesting that the Brit could RETIRE.
      It has now been revealed Saunders suffered a fractured eye socket from an uppercut and has been taken to hospital.

      Claim more than £800 in bonus cash and 350 free spins

      The bout took place over at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas with 73,000 fans in attendance.
      Follow ALL of the latest reaction and updates below…
      GRACIAS AFICIONADOS
      Canelo Alvarez has thanked his fans around the world who supported him during his victory over Billy Joe Saunders last night.
      The Mexican stopped the Brit by shattering his eye socket and he took to Twitter tonight to express his gratitude to those who backed him.
      🇲🇽 Gracias a las más de 70,000 personas que me acompañaron, esto va por ustedes y por todo México. 🇺🇸 Thanks to the more of 70,000 people that joined me, this goes out to all of you and for Mexico. #CaneloSaunders ✅ WBO✅ WBC✅ WBA✅ The Ring Super Middleweight pic.twitter.com/ZYudjjfll8— Canelo Alvarez (@Canelo) May 9, 2021

      ED-ING IN TO SURGERY
      Billy Joe Saunders is undergoing surgery on his eye socket, according to Eddie Hearn.
      The Brit had his orbital bone smashed by Canelo Alvarez overnight in his defeat to the Mexican.
      And the Matchroom promoter updated fans on his current state.
      Just at hospital in Dallas, @bjsaunders_ stayed in overnight. Suffered multiple fractures to orbital area and will undergo surgery this afternoon.— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) May 9, 2021

      CAN-NOT COMPARE
      British welterweight Ohara Davies has had his say on Billy Joe Saunders’ eye injury during his defeat to Canelo last night.
      Saunders withdrew with a shattered eye socket and boxing fans were quick to compare it to other similar incidents.
      Both Ebanie Bridges and Daniel Dubois sustained eye problems in recent fights but Davies reckons the quality of Saunders’ opponent means you can’t compare.
      Some people are comparing Billy Joe’s injury to Daniel Dunois or to Ebanie Bridges eye, they both done very well to fight on despite their injuries, but surely having one Eye against Canelo Alvarez is Different than having one eye against Joe Joyce or Shannon Courtney— Ohara Davies (@OharaDavies) May 9, 2021

      EU GOTTA BE KIDDING!
      Chris Eubank Junior pulled no punches after his old foe Billy Joe Saunders’ corner pulled him out of his fight against Canelo.
      Eubank took to social media to hit out at the Brit and suggested he would not have ‘quit’ if he was in the same situation.
      Chris Eubank Jr continuing to really enjoy Billy Joe Saunders’ defeat to Canelo with several posts on his Instagram story… pic.twitter.com/HNNDRSOWTE— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 9, 2021

      MORE, MORE, MORE!
      Canelo Alvarez continued on his path to greatness with his stoppage win over Billy Joe Saunders overnight.
      Many had tipped the Brit to put a stop to the Mexican’s phenomenal run.
      But after Canelo smashed his eye socket to pieces, Saunders’ corner decided to pull him out and the South American marched on.

      CLASS IS PERMANENT
      Canelo Alvarez took time to taunt Billy Joe Saunders as he forced a stoppage in Dallas overnight.
      The Mexican smashed up the Brit’s eye socket forcing his corner to throw in the towel.
      And this snap as good as summed up the evening’s events.

      BUILDING BRIDGES
      Ebanie Bridges has offered her support to Billy Joe Saunders having initially questioned the severity of his eye injury following his defeat to Canelo Alvarez.
      The British star, 31, was forced to throw in the towel shortly before the ninth round against his superb Mexican opponent on Saturday following a brutal uppercut which fractured his eye socket.
      The Blonde Bomber, 34, initially tweeted: “Don’t tell me he stopped cos of his eye……” But after receiving a backlash from boxing fans, Bridges took to Instagram to throw her support behind Saunders – who was rushed to hospital following his loss to Canelo and could even be forced to retire.
      Bridges wrote: “I Defs wasn’t in there with canelo, but I was in a lot of pain and I couldn’t see for 3 rounds…
      “I went to emergency after the fight as everyone suspected a break but luckily for me there was no breaks. At first I was like wtf why they stopping the fight cos it didn’t look that bad….
      “But I do feel for @saundersbillyjoe I thought he was Defs in the fight, I’m sure he would of liked to continue, the corner did their job. It might not look as bad as mine looked on the outside but I’m sure it’s very serious.”

      TRASH TALK
      Canelo was confronted by middleweight rival Demetrius Andrade in an X-rated altercation following the Mexican’s win over Saunders.
      Andrade interrupted the presser by saying: “So when can we get something going on? Let’s make it happen. What’s up Canelo? Congratulations today though, good job baby, good job.
      “I’m a big fan… but what’s up though? When can we make it happen? What you think?”
      Canelo responded: “I know [you’re a fan]. Man, you fight with nobody. You are a champion but you fight with nobody. You won the belt with nobody.”
      Andrade then questioned Canelo’s recent resume, before the American’s dad accused the Mexican of ‘avoiding’ his son.
      This appeared to rile Alvarez who aggressively shouted: “Get the f**k out of here man. Please, get the f**k out of here. It’s my night.”
      Andrade’s father then yelled: “Don’t you say to him to get out here. F**k you. Go ahead, come. Come. F**k you.”
      And Andrade said: “Don’t swear at me. Don’t talk to my dad like that. I’ll f**k you up. I just asked you a simple question. What you gonna do? You tough? Watch your mouth bro. I congratulated you bro, watch your mouth.”
      To which Alvarez said: “Hey, get the f**k out of here because I’m gonna f**k you up right now motherf**r. Hey, get the f**k out of here.
      “Hey, you are a horrible fighter man. You never won against a good fighter. You are a horrible fighter. Horrible fighter. Just pay day, pay day, you want pay day, I know that.”
      Andrade was then escorted from the room, but not before he could get the final word by saying: “Come beat me little b***h. When I see you, it’s on.”
      Canelo Alvarez confronted by Demetrius Andrade in X-rated row during press conference after win over Billy Joe Saunders
      THE RESULTS
      Here’s a reminder of last night’s results if you’re just joining us.

      Canelo Alvarez defeated Billy Joe Saunders (TKO)
      Elwin Soto defeated Katsunari Takayama (TKO)
      Souleymane Cissokho defeated Kieron Conway (SD)
      Frank Sanchez defeated Nagy Aguilera (TKO)
      Marc Castro defeated Irving Macias Castillo (TKO)
      Keyshawn Davis defeated Jose Antonio Meza (UD)
      Christian Alan Gomez Duran defeated Xavier Wilson (TKO)
      Kelvin Davis defeated Jan Marsalek (UD)

      EYE SPY
      Saunders faces a long and painful route back IF he decides to carry on boxing after Canelo shattered his face and dreams.
      That’s the verdict of SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr – click here to read more.
      Credit: AP:Associated Press
      MORE THAN 73,000 IN ATTENDANCE
      There was more than 73,000 fans inside the AT&T Stadium for the Canelo/Saunders bout.
      That’s around 23,000 more than the Canelo/Smith fight attracted in 2016.

      FURY LOVES TO DANCE
      Tyson Fury was backing fellow Brit Billy Joe Saunders to be victorious last night and will be gutted his mate didn’t manage to win.
      But at least the heavyweight champ had fun at the weigh in.

      EU FANCY IT?
      Chris Eubank Jr has called out Canelo Alvarez after the Mexican defeated the Brit with a brutal uppercut.
      The 31-year-old lost a middleweight bout to Billy Joe Saunders in 2014.
      🤣😂🤣💵💸💵Canelo if you want a Brit to give you a real fight… I’m ready & waiting 👊🏽😎— Chris Eubank Jr (@ChrisEubankJr) May 9, 2021

      WORLD CHAMP PUNDITRY
      Newly crowned flyweight IBF Sunny Edwards knew exactly what Billy Joe Saunders should and shouldn’t do.
      The little mastermind should have been in his corner…
      Billy needs to stay out the way of Canelo’s right hook/uppercut when he’s slipping down to the side— Sunny Edwards (@SunnyEdwards) May 9, 2021

      CANELO WAS WINNING
      DAZN have released the judges scorecards for the fight between Canelo and Saunders.
      Canelo ended the contest with a brutal uppercut in the eighth round – but, according to the scorecards, he was winning the bout anyway.
      Here’s the proof…

      CANELO WANTS CALEB
      Canelo has expressed his desire to face Caleb Plant in his next fight.
      Plant currently holds the only title missing from the Mexican’s super-middleweight collection – the IBF belt.

      SAUNDERS QUOTES – REMINDER
      Billy Joe Saunders was forced to quit his bout with Canelo last night after the Mexican damaged the Brit’s eye.
      But before the fight, Saunders promised not to do that.
      He said: “If my two eye sockets were broken, my jaw was broken, my teeth were out, my nose was smashed, my brain was beaten, I was not stopping until I was knocked out or worse.
      “I don’t agree with a man taking the knee and letting the ref count him out.”
      The 31-year-old can expected a grilling from journalists once he’s recovered.
      KARMA?
      A few fight fans believe the painful end to Billy Joe Saunders’ night was comeuppance for his woeful treatment of a Mexican reporter.
      Billy Joe Saunders mumbling “breath smells like shit” under his breath at @ChavaESPN one of the most respected boxing analysts out there is some of the most cowardly 💩 I’ve ever seen. It’s not trolling. It’s ignorance. [📽️ @MTKGlobal] pic.twitter.com/FeAM943QhW— herculez gomez (@herculezg) May 7, 2021

      TOO MUCH TO HANDLE
      Canelo now has so many belts that he needs a member of his entourage to hold some of them!
      The 30-year-old broke Saunders’ face to take the Brit’s WBO super-middleweight title and add it to his growing collection.

      TIME TO JOE
      Saunders will be out for a ‘long, long time’ and could even RETIRE following his brutal defeat to Canelo, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
      Speaking to iFL TV, Hearn said: “You could see as soon as he [Canelo] hit him [Saunders] that he’d done his eye socket.
      “I think because he couldn’t see, the next round was going to be a bad situation. I think he would have got badly hurt in that round.
      “He’s gone to hospital and I believe he’ll have that operated on immediately. So he’s going to be out for a long, long time.
      “But he’s a world class fighter who lost to the pound-for-pound number one. He’s a two-weight world champion.
      “If he wants to carry on there’s some big fights out there for him. He may feel he has got to a stage where he’s been there, he’s done it, he’s seen it all. We’ll back him 100%.”
      SILLY BILLY
      Saunders tried to taunt Canelo with the ‘Tyson Fury tongue’ before being smashed up and sent to hospital.
      The British super-middleweight took a leaf out of his close pal’s textbook by sticking out his tongue during his title fight.

      IN THE EU-BANK
      Chris Eubank Jr landed a huge cash windfall after betting on Canelo Alvarez to stop Billy Joe Saunders – then called out the unified champ.
      The British middleweight star stuck £10,000 on the Mexican to win the fight before it went the full 12 rounds.
      And with odds of evens, he doubled his money when Saunders quit from his stool after the eighth.
      In a video of him watching the moment BJS quit, Eubank Jr was in hysterics and called his fellow Brit a “wet bag”.
      Now a charity of his choice is on course for a bumper donation with Eubank promising to give the winnings away to a good cause.
      ANOTHER LOSS
      Derek Chisora’s dreadful week went from bad to worse last night as he lost £8,500 after Billy Joe Saunders was beaten by Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
      The British heavyweight suffered a second successive defeat eight days ago when he was on the wrong end of a split decision against Joseph Parker.
      But Chisora was hoping his fortunes would change yesterday when he backed Saunders to cause a huge upset by beating Alvarez.
      Earlier this week, Del Boy showed off a 10,000 euro bet he had placed on Saunders.
      It showed the potential winnings as 62,000 euros.
      Yet it wasn’t to be as Canelo fractured Saunders’ orbital socket with an uppercut in the eighth round which lead to the Brit’s trainer Mark Tibbs throwing in the towel before the start of the ninth.

      TAKING THE MAC
      Conor McGregor appears to have mocked Billy Joe Saunders after the British boxer’s corner threw in the towel at the end of the eighth round of his fight against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
      The former WBO super-middleweight champion suffered a fractured orbital socket following an uppercut from Canelo, an injury which saw his right eye completely close up.
      And Saunders’ trainer Mark Tibbs decided to pull him out of the fight as a result, much to the disappointment of many boxing fans who had seen a thrilling fight up to that point.
      UFC star McGregor had little sympathy – seemingly mocking Saunders with a picture of fellow MMA rival Nate Diaz.
      The image was a bloodied shot of Diaz from UFC 202 when he and McGregor went to war for a second time.
      Diaz’s right eye was almost entirely closed but he fought on for the five rounds, only to lose to the Irishman on the scorecards.

      CANELO’S 15 BELTS
      Canelo has now won a remarkable 15 world championship belts during his illustrious career.
      The 30-year-old is a four-weight world champion and needs just the IBF belt – held by Caleb Plant – to complete his super-middleweight collection.

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