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MARTIN BRAITHWAITE has reportedly made his first move to buy the European giant that “disrespected” him.The Danish striker starred for Espanyol from 2022 until leaving the LaLiga outfit earlier this year.Martin Braithwaite is reportedly interested in buying EspanyolCredit: RexAlongside his brother Philip Michael, Braithwaite has established a huge property portfolioCredit: InstagramBraithwaite, 33, wanted to leave the club in order to play top-flight football.However, Espanyol turned down the move and instead offered him a new contract.The former Middlesborough star felt the offer was derisory.He then paid off his own release clause in order to sign for Brazilian side Gremio.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe striker has since been rumoured to be interested in purchasing the LaLiga side.He was in the stands during the team’s draw against Valencia on Wednesday night.Reports have now claimed that he has contracted the services of a Spanish legal firm to oversee the negotiations.It is suggested that the firm is evaluating the investment for Braithwaite.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt has also been reported that he is looking for a partner to invest in the club with him.Braithwaite is claimed to have a net worth of £250million due to his property empire.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersNot content with a property portfolio, Braithwaite also has an interest in fashion and food.Credit: InstagramHe still owns a house in Barcelona that he acquired during his spell with the Catalan side.Back in 2017, Braithwaite invested £617,000 with his brother Philip Michael into NYCE Companies in the US.In its first year, it grew to be worth a stunning £7.2million. Now it’s said to be worth somewhere in the region of £180million.He has also invested in the food and clothing industries alongside his gorgeous wife, Anne-Laure.All this could make purchasing Espanyol possible, especially with the club’s current financial issues.The club’s chairman Chen Yansheng is believed to be considering selling up with fans protesting the ownership.Braithwaite’s wife Anne-Laure runs a fashion label and they co-own a restaurantCredit: InstagramWho are these famous footballers? More

ROY KEANE believes Marcus Rashford will struggle to rediscover his hunger at Manchester United.And he reckons a “change of scenery” will do the England forward good as he looks to recapture his best form.Marcus Rashford has suggested he wants a new challenge away from Man UtdCredit: GettyThe England forward has been spotted at fashion events throughout 2024Credit: GettyMan Utd legend Roy Keane believes Rashford has lost his hungerCredit: GettyNew boss Ruben Amorim axed Rashford from the squad for the derby win over Man City at the weekend.And three days later the 27-year-old sensationally admitted he is ready for a new challenge after spending the last two decades at Old Trafford.That may happen next month if there is interest but there are no guarantees any clubs will make an acceptable bid.Keane himself left United in controversial circumstances back in November 2005 and feels Rashford needs a move.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to the Stick to Football podcast, brought by Sky Bet, he said: “My only warning for players like that – if you lose that hunger, it’s hard to get it back.”We know that for great players, it’s nothing to do with money – it’s about the next challenge, and your pride.”Marcus seems to have lost his way, and he’s lost his hunger.”We’ve mentioned watches and all the stuff off the field, and if he’s a bit distracted by that, it might be hard to get it back.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He might get it back with a change of club and scenery, but I don’t think he’ll get the hunger back at United.”Keane moved to Celtic after agreeing to leave United 19 years ago and feels it will be best for all parties if Rashford finds a new club.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ He added: “I don’t actually mind what he said, although it’s a bit long, but it’s spot on.”Sometimes a deal just works for everybody – it’s been going on for a year or two now, there’s obviously a bit of talent there and he’s been at the club since he was a kid.”A change would probably do him a world of good, for him and his team and family to go abroad.”Rashford has been around the United first team for nine years now.But ex-England forward Ian Wright says it is obvious he is not enjoying it anymore.The Red Devils forward has scored just four times in 15 games this seasonCredit: GettyRashford was left out of the matchday squad against Man CityCredit: GettyWright told the same podcast: “When you look at how he’s been playing the last few years, he’s not happy. We’ve seen that, with the managers he’s had, different managers and different things going on.“The fact is, he’s got to a [high] level, and he’s not quite there. I believe that he’s somebody that is continually trying to improve himself.”Maybe the change, and being a player that’s been brought in and hasn’t come from the academy, he can get himself going.Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game.”His statement is good – he realises that he has to leave United.”I will always protect him because of what he’s done – especially off the field – and the community will always protect him.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But for him, there’s only so far you can go where you continue protecting him before he has to go and do it himself.”It should happen as soon as it can.” More

PAUL POGBA’S brother has been sentenced to a three-year prison term for his role in an £11million blackmail plot against the former Manchester United star.Mathias Pogba will not spend time behind bars. Instead he will serve one year of his sentence with an electronic bracelet, with the other two were suspended.Mathias Pogba has been handed a three-year prison term over an £11m blackmail plotCredit: ReutersHe was found guilty of trying to extort his own brother, ex-Man Utd star Paul PogbaCredit: AFPHe was also fined £16,500 by a Paris court on Thursday.Mathias, 34, was first held by police in September 2022 after attempting to extort £11m from his brother.Ex-Red Devils and Juventus midfielder Pogba, 31, told authorities a group of childhood friends, which included his older sibling, had requested money for “protection services” stretching back 13 years.A judicial investigation was opened to look into the allegations of extortion with a weapon, kidnapping or kidnapping in an organised gang, and participation in a criminal association.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMathias turned himself in to authorities investigating the case before being placed in custody.And he remained in prison until December 2022, with the terms of his release banning him from contacting Pogba and their mother.Now, the former Crawley Town, Wrexham and Crewe star has been handed a three-year prison sentence.Mathias was found guilty of attempted extortion, which saw him put pressure on Pogba, his family and business contacts to obtain an £11m payment.Most read in FootballTwo years of his sentence have been suspended.While the remaining one will be served with an electronic tag.’I take responsibility but…’ – Paul Pogba breaks silence as ex-Man Utd star gives first interview since doping banMeanwhile, five other defendants were found guilty of extortion, kidnapping and detention, as well as participating in a criminal association.They were all childhood friends or acquaintances of French World Cup winner Pogba.And they have been sentenced to prison terms of up to eight years, while also receiving fines between £16,500 and £33,000.Pogba is now a free agent after having his Juventus contract ripped up following a positive test result for doping.He was banned for 18 months in August 2023 and is now looking to secure a new club ahead of his return to football in March. More

VITOR PEREIRA is the latest in a long line of Jorge Mendes’ clients to be handed the top job at Wolves.The notoriously hotheaded Portuguese boss was announced Gary O’Neil’s replacement at Molineux on Thursday afternoon, on an 18-month contract.Vitor Pereira has been announced as the new boss of WolvesCredit: GettyThe journeyman coach almost took charge of Everton in 2022Credit: AFPThe Portuguese takes over from Gary O’Neil who was sacked earlier this monthCredit: PAAnd anyone expecting Pereira to tow the party line at Wanderers should check out how he responded to an attempted press conference muzzling in Saudi Arabia.Pereira, when boss of Al Ahli in the 2013-14 campaign, began a rant castigating a player as “a bad professional” when the press officer conducting the media briefing cut him off.The manager was told not to focus on individuals, prompting a furious tirade from an incensed Pereira who raged: “My friend, I talk about what I want. This is the first time in my life that someone tells me what I can say!”If Wolves’ pressers are anything like as animated under the 56-year-old, then they could well be compelling viewing for the rest of the season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLO’Neil – and in so doing, gone back to Mendes.The Portuguese super agent, who famously managed the careers of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho, was the man behind the appointments of Walter Zenga, Nuno Espirito Santo, Bruno Lage and Julen Lopetegui.Fosun had gone in a different direction with O’Neil but have seemingly reverted to type with the club in serious danger of relegation.On the face of it, Pereira is the most journeyman of journeyman managers, with Wolves his ELEVENTH post since succeeding Andre Villas-Boas as Porto boss in 2011.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis globe-trotting has seen him coach clubs in Portugal, Greece, Turkey, China, Brazil, Germany, Saudi and now England.But his statistics and silverware count are relatively impressive, with a win ratio of 53 per cent, a goals-per-game ratio of 1.8 and a trophy count of eight.’Serious problems at PGMOL’ Ex-Prem ref blasts VAR after baffling decisions at Liverpool and WolvesHowever, half of those came at Porto where he was promoted from his role of assistant to AVB.His side, which had stars like James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho, struggled in Europe but won back-to-back league titles.Porto’s dominance ended after he left, with Benfica crowned champions for the following four seasons, which explains why Pereira is still so highly regarded in his homeland.The former lower-league midfielder has had mixed fortunes since then.He won the double with Olympiacos in 2015 and Shanghai’s first-ever Chinese Super League title three years later.But he suffered relegation to the third tier of German football with 1860 Munich and pulled up few trees at Fenerbahce, Corinthians, Flamengo and Al Shabab in the last four years.Everton fans’ graffiti on Goodison Park made clear their feeling about PeireraCredit: Twitter @EvertonNewsFeedToffees supporters railed against the club’s ownership before Frank Lampard’s appointment two years agoCredit: PAPereira’s dream has been a Premier League role for some time and in 2022, he came close to realising it with Everton as Rafa Benitez’s successor before Frank Lampard got it.But fans protested the possible appointment, with graffiti sprayed on Goodison Park demanding “Pereira out Lampard in”, leading to the England centurion being appointed.Wolves have taken the plunge two years on after paying the £800,000 release clause in his contract at Al-Shabab, where he bossed ex-Wanderers midfielder Daniel Podence.Pereira, who will sign a one-and-a-half-year contract, faces a huge challenge with 19th-placed Wanderers five points from safety and as leaky as a sieve at the back.Wolves’ VAR complaintsWolves have listed nine negative repercussions from the introduction of VAR in their complaint.Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football specialFrustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communicationA more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAROverreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrityDiminished accountability of on-field officials, due to the safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitchContinued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standardsDisruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively longConstant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the leagueErosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruptionTheir 40 goals shipped is four more than next-worst Southampton and was the problem O’Neil could not fix.Pereira has proved himself to be a shrewd tactician defensively, with an average goals conceded per game of 1.1 since 2011, and will target signing a new centre-back next month.The disciplinarian has another headache with star man Matheus Cunha in jeopardy of a lengthy ban for his bust-up with an opposition staff-member after Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich that did for his predecessor.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt all points to an uphill battle to save Wolves from the drop.But Pereira will certainly have something to say about that. 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