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      World’s most unlucky footballer is relegated from LaLiga for the FOURTH year in a row

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      A FOOTBALLER has been dubbed the “world’s most unlucky player” after a horror run of relegations.Darwin Machis set an unwanted LaLiga record as Real Valladolid’s demotion to the second tier was confirmed.Darwin Machis has been relegated four times in a rowCredit: GettyMachis has gone down with Granada, Cadiz and Valladolid twiceCredit: GettyThe 32-year-old winger has now suffered relegation an unfortunate four seasons in a row.Machis’ disastrous spell began when he was part of the Granada side that went down by one point in 2022.The Venezuelan did not hang around in the Segunda Division and earned a transfer back to the top-flight with Valladolid.But the Pucela, who are owned by Brazil icon Ronaldo, also went down by a single point in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite a worrying theme developing, another LaLiga side in Cadiz picked him up on loan.And you guessed it, they were relegated in 18th place with Machis’ four goals not enough to save them.Meanwhile, his parent club Valldolid immediately bounced back to LaLiga by winning promotion.And they chose to ignore the “curse” and keep Machis in their squad for this season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Valldolid have had a woeful campaign and are going straight back to the Segunda Division.They have conceded a whopping 83 goals and have picked up a poor 16 points from 34 games.’This is so impressive’ – Fans amazed as Oli McBurnie speaks in flawless Spanish just months after joining LaLigaMachis has featured 17 times, with zero goals and one assist to his name.Fans could not believe how unlucky the 52-time capped international is, with one saying: “He is cursed.”Another joked: “He should just go to United and finish them completely.”More commented: “Where is he headed this summer then?”Two of Machis’ relegations came via a single pointCredit: Getty More

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      Iconic manager Ian Holloway suffers horror swelling on face after skin cancer scare as concerned fans send well wishes

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      IAN HOLLOWAY has opened up on his recent skin cancer scare.The iconic boss, 62, went under the knife last week to remove a growth on his face.Ian Holloway spoke about his skin cancer ordealHolloway, 62, was on the touchline last Saturday despite going under the knife just days earlierCredit: Rob NoyesDespite his recent surgery, Swindon Town boss Holloway was in the dugout as his side faced MK Dons on Saturday.The former Blackpool, Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers boss appeared on the touchline with a scar on his face.Ahead of the 0-0 draw, Holloway opened up on his worrying ordeal.The Bristolian said: “I’m in a wonderful time in my life now. I’m getting all sorts of bits and pieces falling off me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You can see it, but I used to go out in the sun, I get skin cancer problems.”My advice to anybody is please don’t do it. Don’t let your kids get burnt. Don’t go out there if you’ve got fair skin like I have.”Put [Factor] 50 on, keep covered, because I can’t do anything about these bits, and I’ve got a huge scar on the right-hand side of my face now.”Luckily they cut it out and they’re sending it off to see. There’ll probably be more bits of me in a jar somewhere than there is sat here.Most read in FootballHolloway made an impassioned plea to fans”It looks like I’ve had a fight with a bear and lost. You can’t hide that fact.”Swindon’s draw with MK Dons on Saturday saw them finish 12th in League Two.Cult hero Ian Holloway spent four years out of football enjoying his hobby as a painter After the game, the Robins’ X account posted: “Speedy recovery, Gaffer.”Plenty of concerned fans responded, with one writing: “Get well soon Ollie. What a guy!”While a second commented: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Ollie.”A third posted: “Get well soon, football is better with you involved.”And another added: “What a bloke. All the best Ian.”In March, Holloway penned a contract extension to stay with Swindon until June 2028.Read More on The SunThe experienced boss joined the Robins following nearly four years out of management.Town were just three points above the drop zone when Holloway was appointed, with the popular boss going on to guide them into the top half. More

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      Cardiff stars snub final game of miserable season to watch other teams after relegation sparking fan fury

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      CARDIFF CITY fans have been left fuming after star players snubbed the chance to watch the final game of the season.The Bluebirds have suffered a dreadful season, which resulted in relegation to League One.Yakou Meite was one of three players to miss Cardiff’s final game of the seasonCredit: GettyDimitrios Goutas was also an absenteeCredit: GettyAnwar El Ghazi was also elsewhere for the match against Norwich CityCredit: AlamyThe club were beaten by Norwich City in the final game of the Championship campaign at Carrow Road.The whole squad did not travel for the matchday as Yakou Meite, Dimitrios Goutas and Anwar El Ghazi were all missing, according to the BBC.The trio were left out of the matchday squad ahead of their contracts expiring.It is normal for players to take the day for themselves if they are not selected for a match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is also a regular occurrence that they still watch the match regardless if it is home or away.However, Cardiff supporters have been left fuming after Meite was pictured watching his former side Reading instead,The BBC have also claimed that injured striker Callum Robinson opted to watch Aston Villa over his contracted club.It has not been suggested that the players have broken any rules by going to the other matches.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut this has not stopped fans from coming to their own judgments following a miserable season.The club finished bottom of England’s second division and will now be playing in the third tier for the first time in 22 years.Bradford clash SUSPENDED with club seconds from promotion as fans storm pitch BEFORE full-timeCallum Robinson also skipped the match to watch another gameCredit: GettyAs many as 1,242 supporters made the long journey across the UK to watch the match at Carrow Road.The match started awfully as Cardiff fell 3-0 down inside the first 23 minutes.Callum Chambers was also sent off for the Welsh side in the 16th minute.The travelling support were treated to a brace from Yousef Salech on either side of Shane Duffy grabbing Norwich’s fourth.Interim manager Aaron Ramsay thanked the fans after the game.He said: “They’ve been unbelievable and I think they’ve really bought into the boys over the last few weeks and the performances that they’ve produced. Read More on The Sun”I can’t thank them enough for that. It’s a lot of effort for them to come up here today and support us. We appreciate every single one of them doing that and making that journey. “Thank you again to them and they’re going to be a huge part of us bouncing back as a club.” More

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      Newcastle set to join Man Utd in transfer race for one of world’s most sought-after defenders and Marc Guehi alternative

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      NEWCASTLE are set to join the race to sign Jonathan Tah.Tah, 29, is available on a free transfer this summer and a host of clubs are fighting to land the sought-after German.Jonathan Tah is wanted by Newcastle as he prepares to leave Bayer LeverkusenNewcastle remain interested in Marc GuehiCredit: AlamyManchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are all reportedly keen on the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back.And SunSport understands that the Toon are also monitoring the player. Eddie Howe is desperate to beef up his defence ahead of next season as he attempts to build a team that can make a genuine title challenge.His top target remains Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, who is set to leave Selhurst Park with Chelsea also interested. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe England and Eagles star was the subject of a £70million bid from Newcastle a year ago.But Tah is another option and he is believed to be keen on moving to the Premier League, according to reports in Germany.Real Madrid’s chances could also be boosted if current Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso replaces Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.Bayern would offer Tah the chance to remain in the Bundesliga, while Barcelona’s pursuit is thought to be complicated by ongoing financial constraints affecting player registration.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 35-time German international has already confirmed that he is leaving Leverkusen after ten years at the club.He has played a whopping 400 times for them, winning the Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal last season.Newcastle legend, 41, spotted BUSKING in city centre and gushes over ‘dream come true’ to play in ‘my home’ More

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      Chelsea files: Blues face having to rip up transfer strategy after Strasbourg success as co-owner issues stadium update

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      CHELSEA are facing a major rethink in their transfer strategy for next season – due to the unexpected success of French sister club Strasbourg.Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos and Serbian keeper Djordje Petrovic have starred on loan at the Ligue 1 surprise package, while another hot teenage prospect, Ecuadorian Kendry Paes, is training under the tutelage of boss Liam Rosenior.Andrey Santos has excelled on loan at StrasbourgCredit: GettyStrasbourg could leap into second spot behind runaway champions PSG with just a game to go if they win at struggling Angers on Saturday.Uefa regulations mean Chelsea owners BlueCo had to park their shares in the French side in a blind trust last week.But if the two teams qualify for the same competition, Chelsea will not be allowed to do ANY transfer deals with Strasbourg this summer, meaning they cannot use the French side as a hot house nursery for their emerging talents next summer.This means that neither Santos or Petrovic would be able to extend their loan stays.CLUBBING TOGETHERCHELSEA are set to finally discover their opening Club World Cup opponents.The Blues were due to kick off their campaign against Mexican side Leon in Atlanta on June 16.But Fifa booted the Central American team out because they are part of the same multi club ownership group as fellow countrymen Pachuca, who have also qualified.Leon appealed to the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport, but have been unsuccessful.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFifa decided Leon’s place should be taken by the winners of a play off between Mexico’s Club America and former Chelsea and Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud’s MLS team LAFC, part-owned by the comedian Will Ferrell.But CAS judges will also hear an appeal against Fifa by Costa Rica’s Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, who claim they should be handed Leon’s place by virtue of their coefficient ranking.”WILL POWERENZO MARESCA and Levi Colwill are fully paid up members of the Mutual Appreciation Society.Boss Maresca loves Levi and Levi loves Enzo in return, recently describing his manager as ‘light years ahead’ of his peers.The discussion around the England centre back one day becoming Chelsea captain is gathering momentum and the player is desperate for the responsibility.Colwill is 22 but has been associated with his club since under-nine level.Speaking to a source at Stamford Bridge this week, we were told: “Levi has been at Chelsea for years. He has the DNA of Chelsea in his blood. And he has that winner’s mentality.”“He would LOVE to be captain. His natural character is to lead. He tries his best to push his mentality.”The only problem facing Colwill is the backlog of captains already at the club and the youth-first policy being followed by the powers-that-be.Current captain Reece James is only 25, his vice-captain Enzo Fernandez is 24. Unless Chelsea sell the pair of them, that armband isn’t going anywhere soon.But good luck to Colwill in his mission.Levi Colwill is keen to show off his leadership skillsCredit: RexA TOUCHING TRIBUTEBIG PREMIER League clubs like Chelsea enjoy a pack of ‘regular’ journalists who follow the club around the circuit.Those hacks become like a mini-family over time and everyone was so sad to hear of the sudden death of Paul Lagan last week.Paul was a passionate Chelsea supporter which made for that love-hate relationship all fans have with their favourite team.He also ran a successful agency and was always keen to give young reporters a start. He was only 66 and it was a touching gesture by the club to ‘retire’ Paul’s seat for Sunday’s 3-1 win over Liverpool and place a wreath upon it.Words were said in the press room before the game and Paul’s face, alongside his hero the late Gianluca Vialli, was displayed on the big screen at Stamford Bridge at half time.The pair of them may now be ‘up there’ reuniting and talking Chelsea for eternity.HOLDING COURTCHELSEA co-owner Hansjorg Wyss says leaving Stamford Bridge for Earl’s Court is “the best option” for the club’s future.But the Swiss billionaire pointed to boardroom divisions that have currently left all long-term calls in limbo.Wyss, 89, who joined forces with Todd Boehly to buy out the shares Roman Abramovich was forced to sell in 2022, was collared by a Chelsea Fan YouTube channel after Sunday’s win over Liverpool, when he gave a ringing endorsement of the dressing room “spirit” under Enzo Maresca.Asked about the prospect of leaving the Bridge, Wyss revealed: “Earl’s Court will be the best option we can think of.“But if it’s going to  happen, I don’t know.“There’s a lot of obstacles and right now we don’t have one person who drives the project.“That’s what we need, in the meetings, the directors’ meetings.“Until we have one project, where someone says ‘I’m going to make it happen’, it’s not going to happen.”Hansjorg Wyss joined forces with Todd Boehly in 2022Credit: AlamyROMEO CONCERNSROMEO LAVIA’S long-term injuries have been pin-pointed by Enzo Maresca as a major factor in Chelsea’s wobbles.The Belgian midfielder was outstanding in the win over Liverpool, after another fine display against Everton the previous week,But in both games, fitness worries were clear.Maresca told Reece James to warm up intensively before half-time against the Toffees when it looked as though the £45m recruit from Southampton was struggling.And even in the Liverpool game, Lavia signalled to the bench that he felt his race was run in the second half.Maresca said: “We are a better team with Romeo. He showed again how important he is for the team and how good he is. Unfortunately he has been injured for most of the season.”Finding a way to keep Lavia on the pitch for more than three games in a row might prove the key for next term.Romeo Lavia’s fitness is a key issue for the BluesCredit: GettyMEANS TO AN ENZENZO MARESCA believes his experience of a nail-biting promotion battle with Leicester last season could help him get Chelsea over the Champions League line.Maresca’s Foxes were in danger of blowing a 12 point lead at the top of the Championship as they lurched into a run of just three wins and six defeats in 10 games.But a vital victory over West Brom turned the tide.Chelsea face Newcastle, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in their final three matches as they sit bang in the middle of a mini-table with only four points separating third placed Manchester City and Villa in seventh.Maresca, though, feels that going through the wringer 12 months ago will be a factor in his favour now.He said: “For sure the experience I had last year has been great in the sense that I learned from that.“When you don’t win games and struggle with results, you always have to analyse the matches.“We didn’t win some games where we weren’t good enough. But we also didn’t win some where we deserved to win.“So it’s about going game by game, analysing each game and seeing how we can improve.”Enzo Maresca won the Championship title with Leicester last yearCredit: GettyChelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says it is up to fans to decide whether to back the teamVIP TREATMENTENGLISH journalists were pleasantly surprised to find themselves being ‘high-fived’ by home supporters after last Thursday’s 4-1 trouncing of Djurgarden by Chelsea.A ‘sterile’ corridor complete with VIP barriers was erected on the touchline to help working reporters reach the Mixed Zone at the 3Arena.So some Swedish fans clearly confused the passing press pack with people of genuine importance. Either that or not much happens in the Stockholm suburbs. Think I know the answer.Chelsea travelled to Sweden last weekCredit: RexVIVID DESCRIPTIONANOTHER clarion call in the past week proudly announcing Chelsea are going digital with their ticketing from next season.The club claims on the all rounder email to members that it is part of their proactive policy to fend off the ticket touts who snap up seats then flog them on at inflated prices.Although it’s eerily quiet on what they are doing to combat unauthorised websites such as ‘Vivid Seats’ which boasts Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly as a shareholder. Funny that.Todd Boehly is an investor in Vivid SeatsCredit: Reuters More

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      PSG vs Arsenal FREE BETS: Get up to £40 bonus to spend on football with talkSPORT BET

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      ARSENAL head to Paris on Wednesday, looking for a big result against PSG to reach the Champions League final.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim up to £40 in free bets when they register an account and stake at least £20 on the crunch European showdown.PSG vs Arsenal: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim talkSPORT BET offertalkSPORT BETVisit the talkSPORT website HERE*Create an account and Opt In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabMake a depositPlace your first bet up to £40, minimum £20, on any football market, at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first betFor example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free betsIf you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free betstalkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim Here*PSG vs Arsenal: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*What’s the offer?Brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a welcome bonus of up to £40 when they register an account.How to claim?Simply visit the talkSPORT BET website on your mobile device and create an account. Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tab and then make a deposit via debit card or Apple Pay.Stake £20 or more on any football market at odds of at least Evens. Remember, you must do this within 7 days of opening your account.What happens next?Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first bet bet.For example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free bets. If you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free bets:On settlement of your qualifying bet, your account will be credited with the following:£10 free bet – Bet Builder (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Correct Score (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)And the following free bets, which will be credited 24 hours after the first bonus funds:£10 free bet – To Win and Both Team to Score – 90 mins (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Acca 4+ selection (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)*18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      PSG vs Arsenal: Get £50 in Champions League free bets with Betfred

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      ARSENAL are looking for the biggest performance in years when heading to overcome a deficit at PSG this Wednesday.And brand new Betfred customers can claim a terrific £50 in free bets and bonuses when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the Champions League semi final showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles herePSG vs Arsenal: Get £50 free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*PSG vs Arsenal: Get £50 free bets HERE*New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*Betfred. New customers only. Register (excl 05/04/25), deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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      Biggest rises in market value this season as Lamine Yamal’s doubles and Arsenal’s Lewis-Skelly now worth 14 TIMES more

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      THE 2024-25 season has seen plenty of breakout stars make a name for themselves, taking their game and their value soaring to new heights.But no one has seen their market value increase since July 1 more than Lamine Yamal. Lamine Yamal’s value has doubled since July 1Credit: RexMyles Lewis-Skelly is worth 14 times what he was at the beginning of the seasonCredit: GettyCole Palmer is ranked No9 among all of the world’s footballersCredit: GettyAnd Myles Lewis-Skelly is worth 14 TIMES more than he was at the beginning of the campaign. Transfermarkt’s figures take into consideration more than 30 different factors and variables to calculate a player’s worth.That includes age, performances, injury susceptibility, contract situation and a club’s financial power. Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior are tied at the top of the tree for the most valuable footballers in world football right now.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe duo – both 24 – are worth a whopping £170million with the likes of England trio Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden all in the top ten. But the third most valuable footballer is now, already aged just 17, Barcelona sensation Yamal. Since July 1, he has helped Spain win Euro 2024 and is already arguably the main man at Barca as they hunt a LaLiga-Copa del Rey-Champions League treble.Yamal was unplayable in the semi-final first leg against Inter – and will hope to produce another thrilling performance to book his side’s place in Munich’s final. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIncredibly, though, his transfer value has doubled since July 1 – from £76.5m to £153m.That increase is more than £30m more than the next on the list: Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush.Watch as Lamine Yamal, 17, stars alongside Ronaldinho and Barcelona legends in incredible new kit advertThe January Etihad arrival was worth £19m on July 1 but now his figure has increased 241 per cent to £64m – a rise of £45m. Cole Palmer is third having upped his value £43m from £68m to £111m, enough to make him the ninth most-valuable footballer in the world, level with Foden, Fede Valverde and Rodri. It is a third Premier League player in a row next with Ethan Nwaneri reaping the rewards for becoming a first-team regular at Arsenal (up up £40m and 587.5 per cent to £46.7m).He is followed by a future Prem star in the shape of Geovany Quenda.The Portuguese teenager did not have a market value on July 1 but is now up worth more than £38m – approximately £4m shy of the fee Chelsea have agreed to pay Sporting for the teenager. Barcelona duo Pedri (up £34m and 50 per cent to £102m) and Pau Cubarsi (up £34m and 133.3 per cent to £59.5m) join team-mate Yamal in the top seven.Ryan Gravenberch has enjoyed a fine season under Arne Slot at Liverpool and has doubled his value from £30m to £60m.That £30m increase is the same as Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike as the striker attracts plenty of transfer interest. He is now worth £47m while Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers also rose £30m to £42.5m There are a few notable players who just miss out on the top-ten list. New Manchester City centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov (up £27.6m and 1300 per cent to £29.7m) is 11th, just ahead of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen (up £27.2m and 320 per cent to £35.7m). Ballon d’Or contender Raphinha (up £25.6m and 60 per cent to £68m) and fellow Champions League hopeful Desire Doue are next (up £25.6m and 100 per cent to £51m). Liam Delap is 19th with the Ipswich striker’s market value rising £22.9m from £6.8m to £29.7m – 337.5 per cent.But one of the biggest increases in world football is Lewis-Skelly.Read More on The SunThe youngster has enjoyed a stellar season at left-back for Arsenal, shining in the Champions League and even breaking into the England squad. He started the campaign worth £1.7m but his 14-fold increase – up 1,300 per cent and £22.1m to £23.8m.  Ryan Gravenberch has enjoyed a stellar seasonCredit: ReutersEthan Nwaneri’s value is 588 per cent more than it was in JulyCredit: GettyOmar Marmoush is second – with his market worth rising from £19m to £64mCredit: Getty More