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      in Soccer

      Which striker should Man Utd buy? We reveal who would be best fit for Amorim and why it’s great news for Ratcliffe

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have struggled to find any real form in the Premier League despite stronger performances in the Europa League.One of the most notable issues Ruben Amorim’s side have experienced is a major lack of goals, with none of the strikers in the squad really impressing.Ruben Amorim will be looking for a new striker in the summerCredit: EPAAfter considering six main options we have found the perfect option for Man UtdCredit: GettyLast summer United signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, though it has since become clear his profile is not what the Red Devils need up front. That has left Rasmus Hojlund as the only true recognised striker in the squad. However, while Hojlund still has the potential to develop into a very strong striker, he has been woefully out of form.Next summer Man Utd transfer chiefs will doubtless be looking to recruit a top forward.The issue they will find is that there is a real scarcity of top talent in that department which fit the unique needs of Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.Other top clubs, including Arsenal who we analysed last week, are also in the market which will only drive up price, but we have looked at who could be the top fit for Man Utd for next season.Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray and NigeriaVictor Osimhen is itching for a transferCredit: GettyThe first player on our list is also probably the most expensive; 26-year-old Galatasaray and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen.The on-loan Napoli ace has an estimated transfer value of £59million, having been touted as a top target for Premier League sides for some time.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAfter being one of the main reasons Napoli won their first Serie A title since the era of Diego Maradona, he fell out of favour with the club’s owner before he was sent on loan to Turkey.Osimhen will be seeking employment away from Napoli when he returns at the end of his loan spell, with links both to England and Saudi Arabia being widely reported.I told Rio Ferdinand to tell Sir Alex Ferguson to f*** off and the Man Utd legend’s reaction was pricelessGalatasaray are by no means a small club, but they do not play in a top five European league and are in no position to challenge for top European honours.In terms of the profile of striker United will be looking for this summer, it is fair to say that Osimhen is a very strong fit. He prefers to play on the shoulder of the last defender and attack space behind the defensive line but has the technical profile to receive the ball and play with his back to goal when required.Amorim’s system needs the striker to generate a significant amount of goals and shots.Here we see Osimhen makes contact with the central defender and then pulls away to make a pocket of space to attack the crossOsimhen’s 166 goal contributions across 253 games at club level speak for themselves in this regard.There is no doubt Osimhen would be a strong option thanks to his superb movement in and around the penalty area and the ability to create opportunities for himself.Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting Lisbon and SwedenVictor Gyokeres is one of Europe’s top strikersCredit: GettyIt should come as no surprise that Sweden and Sporting Lisbon ace Viktor Gyokeres had been included on this list. After all, he was one of the stand out players at Sporting when Amorim was there as coach, with 50 goal contributions in 41 games for Sporting this season after his 58-goal contribution tally last term.The 26-year-old, who has a market value of £63m has had something of an unusual career path to get to this point, having flopped at Brighton before really igniting his career at Coventry.His performances in the Championship were very strong and this led to a move to Portugal for an initial £17.5m.Gyokeres now looks poised to take the next step in his career and it is easy to see why. He is a modern striker with the ability to stretch opposition defences and make long and aggressive runs beyond the defensive line, while he has the skill to score a variety of different goals.The issue for Gyokeres when it comes to a move to a club like Man Utd, however, is facing a low or medium block a lot of the time – a factor which has massively limited Hojlund’s effectiveness this term.This means space behind the defence, where Gyokeres does his best work, is hard to come by for any striker.Here we see Gyokeres on the shoulder with space to attack ahead of himWhile Gyokeres is by no means a poor technical player, with the ability to receive the ball in tighter areas and bring others into the game, this is not the biggest strength of his game. He is more of a powerful forward who will thrive with balls played into the channels he can run on to in order to stretch the opposition.Hugo Ekitike – Eintracht Frankfurt and FranceHugo Ekitike looks set to be the next big money striker to be sold by FrankfurtCredit: AFPFans of English football were given quite the introduction to the France Under-21 star Hugo Ekitike when he scored three goals in a 5-3 win over England.The 22-year-old developed at Stade Reims in Ligue 1 before transferring to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, although it did not work out before he moved again to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.Ekitike has scored 19 goals in 38 matches in all competitions so far this season and is valued at just over £33m, drawing intense interest from other top clubs in Europe.Ironically, had Ekitike stayed at PSG until Kylian Mbappe left to join Real Madrid it is likely he would now be the starting striker in Paris. He is perhaps the closest striker in top level football at the moment to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, with a similar all round playing style and the most well rounded on this list.Ekitike is equally comfortable playing with his back to goal when he is running into space or running through the channels to stretch the game.Here Ekitike shows very clever movement with curved runs to pull off the shoulders of defenders and gain the separation he needs to finishFor a team like Man Utd who are still building towards their identity under Amorim, the signing of a striker that is well balanced like Ekitike would make a lot of sense. It can be easy with strikers of this type to overlook how effective and efficient they are in front of goal but as we touched upon above, Ekitike has show he can perform very well in a top five league.Liam Delap – Ipswich Town and EnglandLiam Delap has had a solid season despite his team’s looming threat of relegationCredit: GettyWhile Ekitike was scoring for France this week, Liam Delap was returning the favour with a goal for England Under-21s.When Ipswich Town signed the now 22-year-old from Manchester City in the summer there were some who doubted his ability to lead the line for a newly promoted Premier League side.With 10 goals and two assists in 28 league matches, a strong return for a team facing relegation, he has very much proven those doubters wrong.The Ipswich ace is another potential target who fits represents a modern profile of player. He is tall and powerful and extremely adept when it comes to making runs to stretch the game and attack behind the opposition line. There is an argument United would be better placed signing a more-well rounded player who can link the game and play in deeper areas or make aggressive runs behind the defensive line. Here we see how Delap times his run well to get across the defender to finishWith that said, however there is some value in the idea of United signing a young English striker that can develop as the team does.An added complication is Delap is a product of the Man City youth academy, and his boyhood club are thought to have a clause to say they can buy him back at a set price. Benjamin Sesko – RB Leipzig and SlovakiaBenjamin Sesko was the talk of the town at the European Championships last summerCredit: GettyPlaying for one of the smaller sides during the European Championships for Slovakia last summer, Benjamin Sesko was the name on everyone’s lips as he impressed with his power and pace.He was heavily linked at the time, and in January, with a move to Arsenal but made the choice to at least see out the season in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, where he has scored 17 goals in 36 games.That does not mean he will not be open to a move this coming summer, with an estimated transfer value of £42m.Sesko, like previous names mentioned, is tall, powerful, quick and at his best when he is given space to run into and to attack as his team moves the attack forward.His biggest strength, however, comes in his incredible ball striking with the ability to strike the ball with power from distance.Sesko is another player who thrives when he is able to play and attack in moments of transition. Here we see how part of Sesko’s threat is his ball-striking abilityAs a top level striker he still needs to add some real consistency to his game in front of goal.There is a worry he is too one dimensional in needing space in the final third to really fit the way United will play.Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford and CameroonBryan Mbeumo has been Brentford’s main man after they lost Ivan ToneyCredit: GettyThe final attacker on our shortlist is 25-year-old Brentford and Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo, who is valued at £42m.He has had a very strong season with 20 goals and assists in all competitions after stepping up to fill the void of Ivan Toney’s sale. His performances have been so strong this season that he is now being linked to a move this coming summer to a top 6 level club that will be involved in European competition.Mbeumo is not a tall and powerful striker who will threaten space behind the defensive line like other names on the list, with a preference to pull into the channels and get on the ball in the final third.There is a real argument with Mbeumo that he would fit better in the United system under Amorim as one of the two attacking midfielders behind the main striker. His mobility and movement in these areas are excellent and he is extremely difficult for opposition defenders to pick up and mark. Mbeumo is exceptionally dangerous off the right flank, rather than in the middleMbeumo would not be at his best as the main striker for United. He is more movement based in the way he creates threat and space in the final third while United need to find a striker who has a better rounded and more versatile attacking profile.ConclusionIt is tempting to say Osimhen would be the best option of the six strikers we have discussed above since he is the most ready-made option. However, Man Utd are in the midst of a financial nightmare after years of overspending with a big rebuild to come this summer for a squad well below the standards needed to challenge for top honours.Therefore, given his relative price at almost half the value of Osimhen or Gyokreres, Ekitike should be the target of choice next summer. His profile is well rounded and he has more to come in his development as this United team develops, while a likely cheaper deal would be music to the ears of Sir Jim Ratcliffe after numerous cuts made to the club.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      in Boxing

      Trailblazing boxer Inder Bassi won huge battle for Sikh fighters and now faces clash at legendary football ground

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      INDER BASSI hopes to leave behind a lasting memory in the boxing ring – having already done so outside of it.Bassi is 14-2 in his career – turning professional in 2019 – off the back of a title-winning amateur career of 50 wins out of 75. Inder Bassi is a 14-2 professional boxerHe features on SunSport’s Contender series on YouTubeHere he is sparring in the famous Peacock Boxing gymBassi is hard at work preparing for his next boutBut one of the biggest fights Bassi had during his time in the unpaid ranks was the old rule that amateur boxers had to shave off all facial hair. The welterweight from Basildon is a proud Sikh – a religion which prohibits the cutting or shaving hair. Bassi helped campaign to change the the amateur boxing rule – which was in place to stop cuts due to the coarse texture of facial hair. And in 2019, the ban was lifted by England Boxing thanks to the help of Bassi, who features in SunSport’s latest Contender episode on YouTube. READ MORE IN BOXINGThe trailblazer told us: “The overturning of the beard ban – people associate that with my name. “It’s weird because you weren’t allowed a beard in the amateur boxing and like I said, in the professional game, you’re allowed. “In Muay Thai, kickboxing, in any other contact sport you were allowed just weren’t allowed in the amateur boxing. “That held a lot of Sikh boxers back. The belts are something every fighter wants and I want them myself, I’m hungry for belts. Most read in BoxingBassi had to shave his beard in the amateursBut he helped change the boxing ruleHe will be remembered for his work inside and outside the ringCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But it’s more so for people to remember me as a good man who done something for my community. “The more I fight, the more I win, the more belts I win I’m going to continue smashing them glass ceilings in. They are my belts as well.Moses Itauma: Future Heavyweight King is on Track to Break Mike Tyson’s Record I Contender Documentary”They are my belts that are metaphorical, I can’t see them, I can’t show nobody them but that’s what people are going to remember me for.” Bassi is training out of the Peacock Gym in East London – which has welcomed some of boxing’s greatest ever through its doors. He said: “It’s one of the most notorious gyms in the country. Floyd Mayweather’s been here, loads of legends. Prince Naseem’s trained here. “To belong to a gym where them kind of fighters have trained, it is quite special.” In our episode, Bassi spars hard rounds against an international German boxer in preparation for his next fight. The 28-year-old has won his last two fights having lost an English title bout against Sean Noakes in July. His promoter Jon Trethewey said: “I am a bit biased, Sean won on the night and he did deserve to win, can’t deny that. “But I don’t think we saw the best of Inder that night.” Bassi was beaten by Sean Noakes in an English title fightCredit: PAHe has bounced back with two wins sinceCredit: PANow Bassi has bounced back, he has landed himself a huge fight at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge. The event is headed up by American legend Roy Jones Jr and former European champion Spencer Oliver. Bassi will take on Lucas Ballingall from Portsmouth, who is 18-2, in the Battle of The Bridge event which is airing on Fight Zone. And Bassi said with a smile: “When I tell people I’m boxing at Stamford Bridge, some say, ‘Oh man, you could have picked a better stadium!’ “But it’s exciting. Everyone’s excited.” It is the first-ever boxing event staged at Chelsea’s West London home – and Bassi was blown away when he visited the SW6. He said: “Expect the unexpected and put in the work and opportunities will come. It’s genuinely a mad sport. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But to be boxing here, when I got the call up to say, you know what you’re on the show, it was a big thing for myself. “I was a bit shocked. It’s everyone’s dream to be boxing on the big shows in front of the bright lights.”Bassi is set to fight at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge groundHe was blown away on a visit to Stamford Bridge More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Was he sent by Madrid?’ – Arsenal fans lose it as footage emerges of Norway coach WRESTLING Martin Odegaard

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      ARSENAL fans lost it as footage emerged of Martin Odegaard being WRESTLED by his own Norway coach.And that prompted some to even question if he had been sent by Real Madrid as a secret agent to hurt the Gunners captain.Stale Solbakken gave Martin Odegaard a tight hug as he subbed him offCredit: RexThe Norway boss then got his captain in a headlockCredit: XThey then wrestled but it was the gaffer who hit the floorCredit: XOdegaard, 26, led his country to a 4-2 victory over Israel in their World Cup qualifier played in Hungary on Tuesday.The playmaker racked up a hat-trick of assists before being subbed off by manager Stale Solbakken in injury time.Solbakken was clearly delighted with his star’s performance – and has a great relationship with Odegaard.So much so that he shook hands with the Arsenal hero and gave him a hug as he shared some words of encouragement.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEx-Wolves boss Solbakken, 57, then jokingly got Odegaard in a headlock in the technical area at the side of the pitch.And he suddenly escalated the prank by yanking the footballer down in an apparent wrestling move to try and floor his skipper. Hilariously, though, it was Solbakken who hit the deck before releasing his grip as Odegaard somehow managed to stay on his feet. The pair were both laughing as the Gunners man walked to the dugout to take his seat and watch the last few minutes of action.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Arsenal fans did not see the funny side as much.Mikel Arteta’s men have an important run of fixtures coming up – to keep their faint Premier League titles hopes alive but more importantly their Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid.Footballers are great role models… but they need to be able to go partying, like I did, says Jack WilshereThe Gunners host the reigning Kings of Europe on April 8 before the return leg at the Bernabeu on April 16.And fans are desperate to see their injury-hit captain wrapped up in cotton wool to face his former team – rather than flung around in a wrestling match on international duty.After seeing the video clip with Solbakken, one quipped on social media: “Was this coach sent by Madrid to take out Odegaard??”Another wrote: “This man must be a Madrid fan… he wants our captain injured.”A third added: “I’d be flying to Norway to chin him if he injured him.”A fourth commented: “Get tf off my captain man we can’t afford any more injuries.”And a final user replied: “Dear coach, please stop doing that. Sincerely, all Arsenal fans.”Odegaard registered three assists in the 4-2 win over IsraelCredit: AFP More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League rich list revealed with two Man Utd flops and surprising manager cracking top three in L’Equipe ranking

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      THE Premier League’s highest-earning players and managers have been revealed – with one surprise inclusion.French publication L’Equipe has looked at which stars take home the most amount of money each week.Erling Haaland is the highest-earning player in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyKevin De Bruyne is also on the rich listCredit: GettyAnd it’s no surprise that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland tops the list by quite a margin.The 24-year-old put pen to paper on a huge nine-and-a-half year deal earlier this year.In doing so, he also increased his weekly wage from £375,000 to £500,000.Also joining Haaland on the rich list are players from Liverpool and Manchester United.Read More in FootballPLAYER RICH LISTAs already mentioned, Haaland earns the most money in the Premier League by far.L’Equipe has revealed that he takes home an estimated gross monthly salary of around £2.2million.Mohamed Salah pockets £1,505,000-a-monthCredit: GettyCasemiro earns the same as SalahCredit: GettyThat includes guaranteed add-ons, loyalty bonuses and image rights payments.Ranked second in the list is Haaland’s Man City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 33-year-old is currently estimated to be earning £1.7m monthly, which equates to £432,000-a-week.However, he might not be making that for much longer.I plucked Thomas Tuchel out of his job working in a bar in Stuttgart before he became England boss, reveals Man Utd flopDe Bruyne has been heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad this summer, with his contract set to expire in June.He is yet to agree terms for a new deal with the Cityzens.Joint-third in the rankings are Casemiro and Mohamed Salah.Brazil midfielder Casemiro became Man Utd’s highest earner when he joined the club in a £70m transfer from Real Madrid in 2022.And he recently revealed that he intends to see out his contract despite receiving criticism from fans for his underwhelming form.Meanwhile, Liverpool fans are hoping that Salah extends his stay at Anfield.The winger’s contract is due to expire in June and he is yet to agree terms for a renewal.Both Casemiro and Salah pocket £1.5m-a-month, which works out as £376,250-per-week.Joint-fifth on the list are loan stars Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling.The duo each take home £1.4m every month (£349,000-a-week) which is split between their parent club and their loan club.United allegedly pay 75% of Rashford’s wages, with Aston Villa covering the rest.Meanwhile, Chelsea are covering the bulk of Sterling’s earnings, with Arsenal paying a smaller amount.Marcus Rashford is joint-fifth on the listCredit: GettyRaheem Sterling also earns £1.4m each monthCredit: GettyMANAGER RICH LISTWith Haaland topping the player rich list, his Man City boss Pep Guardiola leads the manager list.The Spaniard is reported to be earning £1.7m-a-month, which equates to £416,000-a-week.Meanwhile, his former assistant and current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is the second highest-earning boss in the Prem.The Gunners boss allegedly banks £1.2m every month (£309,000 weekly) at the Emirates.And arguably the most surprising inclusion across both lists is that of David Moyes.The 61-year-old returned to Goodison Park earlier this year following the departure of Sean Dyche.READ MORE SUN STORIESL’Equipe has reported that Moyes earns £1m every month (£257,000-a-week).The Scot has enjoyed an impressive start to his time at Everton, lifting the club away from the relegation zone.David Moyes is among the top-earning managersCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea fans push Premier League to investigate their OWN OWNER Todd Boehly over ‘unauthorised ticket website’

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      CHELSEA fans have demanded the Premier League investigate their OWN OWNER Todd Boehly.The American billionaire fronted the £4.25billion purchase of the West London club from Roman Abramovich in 2022.Chelsea Supporters’ Trust complained about Todd Boehly to the Premier LeagueCredit: AlamyThe American owner was the subject of an angry protest last monthCredit: EPAHe has since gone on a staggering transfer rampage, splashing out more than £1.2bn on new signings.Boehly, 51, is also trying to figure out what the future home of Chelsea will look like amid hopes of building a bigger, more modern stadium to replace Stamford Bridge.However, the LA Dodgers owner is not universally popular among Blues supporters – as demonstrated with a protest march against him and the Clearlake Capital and BlueCo groups who make up the consortium.And now the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust have launched a scathing attack on Boehly by reporting him.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe organisation sent a letter to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.And the centre of their fury is around Boehly’s connection to the controversial company Vivid Seats. Since investing in 2021, Boehly has been a director at the business which resells tickets for Premier League matches, including Chelsea fixtures, at hugely inflated prices, often thousands of pounds above face value. The American firm is listed by the Prem as an “unauthorised ticket website” and tells fans to “exercise extreme caution” if dealing with them and other exchange sites. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTickets for Chelsea’s London derby at home to Tottenham on April 3 are available to buy on Vivid Seats for more than £2,000 at the time of writing.For the Liverpool game on May 2, prices range from £442 to more than £3,200. Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford BridgeJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeIt is against British law to resell tickets in this way, making it illegal for UK-based fans to buy Premier League tickets from Vivid Seats. It comes against the backdrop of the Stamford Bridge hierarchy proudly boasting of their crackdown on ticket touts outside the stadium on a matchday. And Blues fans are furious with Boehly’s direct involvement in a website ripping off supporters wanting to watch their team in action live.CST labelled it as a “breach of trust” and a “clear conflict of interest”. The letter to Prem boss Masters said: “Mr Boehly’s connection with Vivid Seats is totally inappropriate and significantly undermines the efforts of Chelsea FC, The Premier League, and The Metropolitan Police to combat ticket touting. ‘NO EXCUSE’“Vivid Seats continues to list Premier League tickets for above face value at significantly inflated rates.“Not only does this undermine the efforts of Chelsea FC, The Premier League, and The Metropolitan Police to combat ticket touting, but Vivid Seats contravenes the Chelsea FC ticketing policy, and is explicitly named by the Premier League as a known unauthorised ticket website.“We believe that now is the time for the Premier League to act swiftly and ensure that a major shareowner of a Premier League club ceases facilitating the sale of tickets for significantly above face value.”The Football Supporters’ Association threw their support behind the CST and added: “It is clear the Premier League needs to take action.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Clubs, supporters’ groups, the police and the Premier League itself has worked hard in recent years to combat ticket touting – there is no excuse for a club owner to be involved in such activity.”SunSport has contacted Chelsea for comment. Boehly is a director at Vivid Seats, a company that resells football tickets way above face valueCredit: PATickets are available to buy for Chelsea vs Tottenham on April 3 for huge pricesCredit: Vivid SeatsThe LA Dodgers owner is not universally popular at ChelseaCredit: EPAHome tickets are notoriously tricky for genuine Chelsea fans to buy at Stamford BridgeCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Of course, it’s difficult’ – Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifeline

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      BEN CHILWELL refused to let membership of Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ drag him down.The defender was frozen out completely by boss Enzo Maresca this season but kept his head up high in order to secure a move away.Ben Chilwell is enjoying a fresh start at Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyHe was frozen out of the squad at ChelseaCredit: GettyFull-back Chilwell is now on loan at Crystal Palace and one win away from Wembley in the FA Cup semi finals – a huge turnaround from the dark days in isolation at Stamford Bridge.Chilwell said to ITV: “Between the start of the season and January I was training by myself a lot of the days. “You’re not involved in the matchday squads and you kind of just wait for the opportunity when you’re going to go somewhere.“If you go somewhere in January and you’re miles off the pace or you’ve not put the work in, the only person that’s losing out is you.READ MORE ON CHELSEA“Of course, it’s difficult. Training by yourself a lot for a number of months isn’t easy. But the only person that was going to lose out if I wasn’t ready was myself. “So these past four or five months have given me an opportunity to mentally and physically just realign, refocus, reset. To go again.“There were a lot of circumstances and things going on at Chelsea that weren’t in my control, which I completely respect.“The things I could control was how I came into training every day and how I trained, whether by myself or with the group.Most read in FA CupJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge“That’s just a reflection of myself and I wasn’t going to let myself down in those moments you can control you just control as best as you can.”Maresca bluntly told Chilwell that he simply did not fit into his tactical plans. It was nothing personal but it will have hurt.Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell completes loan transfer to Crystal PalaceChilwell, 28, is big on the mental side of professional sports and kept his chin up, finally bagging a loan move to Palace in January.Whether or not a permanent deal is struck at the end of the season, there is no way back for him at Chelsea while Maresca is manager.He held a Zoom call with Eagles boss Oliver Glasner about a temporary switch and knew straightaway he fancied moving to South London for a fresh start.Chilwell has played five times at Wembley at club level. With only one win so far.The Champions League winning left-back made his Palace debut as a sub in the FA Cup fourth round win over Doncaster Rovers. He has featured in the two rounds since.The fifth round win over Millwall was overshadowed by serious injury to Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who needed 25 stitches to a cut ear after a collision with keeper Liam Roberts.The Frenchman is declared fit to play at Fulham on Saturday and Chilwell says it is a huge boost both physically and mentally.He said: “He’s the glue of the place. He’s the loudest one in the changing room. The loudest one around here. You need a few of those don’t you?“You need those characters around the place always cracking jokes making people laugh. They’re the loudest ones when their team loses or their team wins.“They’re the most important figures in the changing room, so it’s definitely noticeable when he’s not in the building. Having him back this weekend will be a massive boost.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Before coming here I knew a lot of the players previously through the national team, through playing against them in the league. It seemed a pretty easy choice. I spoke to the manager also.“We had a talk over Zoom and kind of agreed on lots of lots of different things. So I think with the manager and the people that I knew here previously It was a pretty easy decision to come.” More

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      in Boxing

      ‘The ship has sailed’ – Jake Paul brutally hits back at Tommy Fury after Love Island star calls for rematch

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      JAKE PAUL has brutally hit back at Tommy Fury’s call for a rematch. Fury became the first and so far only fighter to defeat YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul – winning a split-decision in Saudi Arabia in 2023.Jake Paul has brutally hit back at Tommy Fury’s call for a rematchCredit: GettyAnd he took to Instagram to hit out at his American rival for recently calling out Anthony Joshua. But Paul – after announcing four new female signings to his Most Valuable Promotions banner – countered back at Fury. He posted: “Tommy Fumbles Fury…the ship has sailed mate. I’m trying to build the sport. You are trying to make a payday and hit the pub.”No judgement. We are just different.” READ MORE IN BOXINGIt followed on the same day Fury – who underwent hand surgery last year to repair an injury – slammed Paul for challenging AJ. He said on Instagram: “Just wanted to give a little opinion on everything I’ve been seeing on social media lately.”Jake Paul versus Anthony Joshua – just wanted to come on here and remind everybody that that bum couldn’t even beat me when I basically had a broken hand.”I had one hand and he still lost. Jake Paul, I’m still your daddy and everybody weighing this fight up, don’t bother because he ain’t worth a shilling.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And a loss will always be there Mr Paul. Take it easy and have a good day.”Paul, 28, most recently beat Mike Tyson, 58, in November with the fight marred in controversy amid the huge age gap between them.Jake Paul reveals talks for Tommy Fury rematch and slams Canelo Alvarez over failed fight But still over 100 MILLION watched on Netflix – prompting shock talks to fight Canelo Alvarez in May in Las Vegas.But Canelo walked away from the bout to instead sign a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.And with Paul looking for his next opponent, he called out two-time heavyweight world champion Joshua, 35, on his podcast.Paul said: “I want to fight Anthony Joshua – exclusive – because I know I will f***ing beat Anthony Joshua’s ass.”He doesn’t have a chin, and he has no skill and he’s stiff. I love you Anthony, we’e friends, all this s*** but I want to fight you.”AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn is open to talks and suggested it would earn Joshua £100MILLION and break pay-per-view records.Fury, 25, meanwhile beat Paul’s arch rival KSI, 31, via disputed decision in October 2023 but has not returned since following his surgery.He was due to do so against Darren Till in January but he pulled out after the ex-UFC star threatened to KICK him in the head.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Fury told fans in a written message: “I’m in the best shape of my life, fit and ready to go.”Got some really big fight news on the way for you guys. Stay tuned!!”Tommy Fury has not returned since beating KSI in October 2023Credit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      ‘I can’t wait’ – Gary Neville buzzing as Man Utd legend starts new job that has nothing to do with football

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      GARY NEVILLE has landed a new job outside of football as he expands his growing business portfolio away from the game.Neville, 50, is joining the board of Swiss watchmaker Norqain – a brand founded by former ice hockey player Mark Streit.Gary Neville has joined the board of Swiss watchmaking company NorqainCredit: PAFormer Man Utd star Neville joins the company as they prepare to launch in the UK.He said: “I’ve been following Norqain for some time now and really admire the brand’s values and innovative, sporty timepieces.”As a challenger brand in the Swiss watch industry, Norqain is a perfect fit for me, and I’m thrilled to join Ben [Kuuffer, CEO] and the team as a partner in the business here in the UK and Ireland. “We share the same vision and challenger spirit, and I can’t wait to get started.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNorqain watches are listed on their website for prices ranging from £1,920, up to £10,900.While fellow retired footballer Gianluigi Buffon is also involved with the company, and can even be spotted modelling the watches on the brand’s website.Norqain CEO Ben Kuffer added: “I’ve played and followed football all my life. Gary’s leadership and captaincy on the pitch were legendary, and he is not only a fantastic person but also an outstanding entrepreneur.”Norqain becomes another string in the impressive bow of Neville’s business ventures.Most read in FootballFormer Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is also involved in the companyCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 85-time England international is already involved in a property development company, his podcast with The Overlap, two hotels in Manchester and the co-ownership of Salford City.Miroma, the marketing agency that acts as a parent company to Neville’s Overlap series, just announced a revenue of £275.6m between June 2023 and 2024.’Absolute s***fest of management’ – Gary Neville follows Roy Keane in unleashing angriest Man Utd rant yetHowever, The Stock Exchange Hotel and Hotel Football – two hotels co-owned by Neville and Ryan Giggs – are both in the red, according to City AM.Hotel Football remains in the red despite achieving a record financial year, while The Stock Exchange Hotel has fallen further into the red after the closure of TV chef Tom Kerridge’s restaurant in the hotel.Neville’s impressive business acumen even saw him invited to join the team on Dragon’s Den last year.Neville recently tried his hand at something completely new, swapping the studio for the stage.The retired right-back stunned fans by appearing on stage with rock band Reytons at Aviva Studios in Manchester just hours before covering Man Utd’s Premier League clash with Arsenal for Sky Sports earlier this month.Neville’s business acumen saw him invited to join the team on Dragon’s DenCredit: PANeville joined rock band the Reytons on stage in ManchesterCredit: https://x.com/TheReytons More