More stories

  • in

    Liverpool legend Fowler urges boss Slot to go all out for ‘tremendous player’ if they fail to sign Newcastle ace Isak

    LIVERPOOL legend Robbie Fowler has urges his former club to veer away from their usual transfer model this summer.Fowler, 50, has revealed who he would like to see The Reds sign up front if they can’t sign Newcastle United ace Alexander Isak.Liverpool icon Robbie Fowler has revealed which striker he thinks his former club should sign this summerCredit: GettyThe Reds have been linked with Newcastle United’s Alexander IsakCredit: GettyLiverpool are thought to be in the market for a new striker this summer after Darwin Nunez’s minutes have dried up under boss Arne Slot.Magpies front-man Isak has been the biggest name linked with the Anfield outfit, but Liverpool bosses could be deterred by his mega £150MILLION asking price.And Fowler, who is currently undertaking a two-year sports directorship course with the PFA, reckons that he knows who they should sign in the Swede’s place.Speaking to the i Paper, Fowler urged Liverpool to sign Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins instead. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “The problem is clubs know that they are potentially on the lookout for a No.9, so the prices will become silly. “If you look at [Alexander] Isak, he’s going to be £100m plus easily. He’s a wonderful player, but Liverpool may not want to pay that, and they’ll look around.“You could look at Ollie Watkins. He doesn’t really fit the model in terms of what Liverpool want, given his age [29 years old], but I’d go and get him for a couple of years because he’s a tremendous player and established and experienced in the Premier League.”Watkins has fallen out of favour at Aston Villa this term, with boss Unai Emery preferring loanee Marcus Rashford in the second half of the season.Most read in FootballFowler has suggested that Liverpool sign Ollie WatkinsCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever the 29-year-old striker has still managed 22 goal contributions in 35 Premier League appearances this season.While he racked up 34 goal contributions in a full campaign for Villa last season.Cheeky Mo Salah reveals Liverpool’s Premier League title felt way better without Klopp, Mane and FirminoOn the other hand, Alexander Isak has cemented himself as one of Europe’s deadliest striker this season.The former Real Sociedad bagsman is the Prem’s second-top goal scorer this season with 23 goals in 32 games.But the Toon hierarchy know his worth, reportedly slapping a £150m price tag on the 25-year-old, who they spent £63m on themselves back in 2022. More

  • in

    ‘It would be unfair’ – Premier League legend says Man Utd and Tottenham ‘don’t deserve’ to play in Champions League

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham “absolutely” do not deserve to play in the Champions League next season.That is according to an Arsenal legend who insists it would be “unfair” if either United or Spurs win the Europa League this month.Man Utd don’t deserve to play in the Champions League next season, according to a Prem legendThe Arsenal legend makes the same claim about TottenhamEmmanuel Petit believes none of the Premier League clubs deserve to win the Europa LeagueMan Utd and the North Londoners are the absolute favourites to compete in the final on May 21 at San Mames after dominating Athletic Bilbao and Bodo/Glimt respectively in the first leg of the semi-finals.The Red Devils destroyed Bilbao 3-0 in Spain on Thursday and dealt Ernesto Valverde’s side a devastating blow in heir hopes of playing in the final that takes place in their own stadium later this month.And Tottenham defeated Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in London and now need to survive the Norwegian outfit’s artificial pitch that has claimed so many other big names this season.Emmanuel Petit admits the Premier League duo have a massive chance to save their “terrible” season.Read More on Man UtdThe Manchester giants are set for their worst ever Prem finish as they are currently 15th in the table with Spurs below them.But one of them will still advance to next season’s Champions League if they win the Europa League.And Petit, 54, is adamant none of them deserve to be among Europe’s elite next season after their disastrous campaigns.Nevertheless, the ex-Chelsea star wishes both teams luck ahead of their crunch second leg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPetit told FastSlots: “Tottenham and Manchester United both have the chance to save terrible seasons in the Europa League, but does either side deserve to play in the Champions League next season?”Absolutely not. Both teams don’t deserve to be among the Champions League teams for the next season. Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt “I wish the best of luck for Manchester United against Bilbao, but looking at the game against Lyon [in Leg 2 of the quarter-finals], Lyon should’ve finished United off.”Spurs could spring a surprise, but I don’t expect anything from Spurs or Manchester United this season. “To be honest with you, if one of those clubs wins the Europa League, I think that would be unfair.” More

  • in

    How Wrexham was transformed from Spice-ridden hellhole to Welsh Hollywood as locals say ‘next stop’s the Premier League’

    AMERICAN and Japanese tourists seek some Hollywood glamour when they make a pilgrimage to Rob Clarke’s second hand DVD shop.The owner of Mad4Movies happily pulls his cardboard cut-out of Deadpool actor and local club owner Ryan Reynolds for the football tourists as they soak up all things Wrexham AFC.Wrexham recently secured promotion to the ChampionshipCredit: GettyThe Welsh team’s success has thrown the town into a frenzyCredit: GettyRyan Reynolds watched them secure promotion along with his wife Blake LivelyCredit: GettyDad-of-two Rob, 47, has his own claim to fame as he starred in Disney+ documentary Welcome to Wrexham which charts the town’s incredible football fairytale.The club has just secured a third historic promotion after beating Charlton Athletic 3-0, taking them from non-league to the Championship and one step from the Premier League.In delirious scenes, the club’s owners Ryan, 48, and his fellow Hollywood actor Rob McElhenney hugged the players as the fans raced onto the pitch at their Racecourse Ground.Ryan was also joined by his Gossip Girl actress wife Blake Lively who also greeted fans in the stands.Read More FeaturesHer husband Ryan, 48, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor Rob McElhenney bought the club for £2 million nearly five years ago with the lofty ambition of getting to the Premier League.Now the Welsh club, which was formed in 1864 and is the third oldest in the world, has an army of fans around the world.Foreign tourists fly in to take in a game and take coach tours of the former mining town.It’s a welcome turnaround for an area once dubbed ‘Spice Town’, after images emerged of people under the influence of drugs at its bus station, in 2018.Most read in ChampionshipIt was also found to have the highest number of rough sleepers in North Wales, with 57, in 2020.But the “Ryan and Rob effect” has meant the town is teeming with visitors – boosting the local economy and creating jobs. Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LATourism and hospitality revenue has increased by £120m in just three years and is now worth £180 million.Many tourists beat a path to Mad4Movies, which also sells books, music CDs and tapes, as well as Wrexham postcards for £1.Lifelong fan Rob said: “Ryan and Rob came to the shop when they first bought the club.”They wanted to meet fans who’d supported the club for a long time.”They were lovely. Ryan said he’s never seen so many DVDs and then he said: ‘There must be one you’ve never sold, that’s been here for years?'”I told him: ‘Well, we won’t talk about the Green Lantern’. This is one of his flops.”Fortunately he laughed. To be fair he signed my copy of the film.”It read: ‘Apologies in advance, Ryan.’ That got in the documentary.”Rob added: “I can’t believe how far the club has come – it’s amazing.”A while ago we nearly went out of existence and we were only saved by a fan whip round which raised £100,000.”Now we have fans come in for coach tours so all over the world.”Prem dreamsWalking down the main shopping street in the town, one ex-player said he is stunned by the club’s transformation.DVD shop owner Rob Clarke met Reynolds and McElhenney when they first bought the clubCredit: iSKANDU AGENCY / SUN COMMISSIONTheir ownership of the club has been documented in the documentary Welcome to WrexhamCredit: GettyImages of Spice addicts in the bus station shocked the world in 2018Credit: Daily Post Wales/Gavin RoddaThe centre was dubbed ‘Spice Town’Credit: Daily Post WalesWinger Nick Hencher, 63, who played for the club in the 1985-86 season, said: “It’s great – it’s galvanised everybody.”It’s a massive season in the Championship as it’s a big step-up.”You never know, we might see four promotions in a row.”He added: “The club has changed a hell of a lot.”I enjoyed playing for them, it was a great experience for a local lad.”But it’s big time now and I’m still a small part of it, being chairman of the former players’ association.”So I just stay involved a little bit.”Match days, the town is buzzing with thousand of people here enjoying the limelight.”The last few years since Ryan and Rob took over, it’s just boomed in football and tourismJames VealOther fans cannot also believe the transformation of the club.Former builder Brian Roberts, 60, said: “Three promotions in a row – I never thought I’d see it.”It’s fantastic for the town.”Miners’ charity worker James Veal, 27, said: “There’s just this buzz around Wrexham,”The last few years since Ryan and Rob took over, it’s just boomed in football and tourism.”It just seems brighter, there’s more going on.”More people want to invest in the the town, there’s more shops, more restaurants, bars.”It’s fantastic to see the growth and what these two lads have brought to Wrexham.James Veal has noticed a huge boom in tourismCredit: iSKANDU AGENCY / SUN COMMISSIONWrexham were just a non-league club when it was purchased by the Hollywood starsCredit: PAEleanor Swash has met tourists from all over the worldCredit: iSKANDU AGENCY / SUN COMMISSION”Wrexham seemed to be on the up and just doing its own thing, but they have shone a spotlight and given it a good boost.”Shop worker Eleanor Swash, 18, works in a Wrexham AFC pop-up shop in the town.She said: “We got lots of tourists from all over – America, Canada, Germany and Japan.”It’s crazy really but it’s so good for the town.”A-list fansDad-of-four Ryan has recruited a host of his Hollywood friends to the Red Dragons causes including Danny DeVito and Will Ferrell.He even took Magic Mike star Channing Tatum to The Fat Boar pub on a Friday night in December and bought everyone a drink.Manager Sean Cooney, 35, said: “We got a phone call from their team who said they’d be here in half an hour.The Ryan and Rob effect seems to be getting bigger all the timeSean Cooney”They turned up and were lovely.”We had a singer performing and they got on the mic to say drinks were on them.”We then put them upstairs in a room.”He added: “This place has become closely associated with the team.”We get lots of tourists especially Canadian and Americans.”In fact we are getting more and more Americans.”The Ryan and Rob effect seems to be getting bigger all the time.”I mean it must be them as you don’t normally get many Americans coming to Wrexham on holiday.”Now fans are dreaming of a fourth promotion in a rowCredit: Instagram/Ryan ReynoldsBlake and Ryan love supporting the gamesCredit: InstagramFans piled round the stars to snap a picCredit: APRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club for a mere £2millionCredit: GettyThe club itself is in a healthy financial position thanks to Rob and Ryan’s backing and shrewd deals.Club accounts going up to June 2024 covering their season in League Two show revenues of £26.7million – which is a figure greater than seven of the Championship clubs.The Red Dragons have now even been linked to some stellar Premier League players including Man Utd’s Jonny Evans and Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy.And the latest series of the Welcome to Wrexham doc is to be screened on May 16.Councillor Nigel Williams, Wrexham Council’s lead member for economy, business and tourism, said: “The impact of Ryan and Rob as well as the documentary has been phenomenal.Read More on The Sun”We used to go to trade fairs and people would see we were from Wrexham and just walk past.”Now they are beating down our door.”Ryan took Channing Tatum for a night out at The Fat BoarCredit: iSKANDU AGENCY / SUN COMMISSIONBusiness is booming in the centre of the townCredit: iSKANDU AGENCY / SUN COMMISSIONHow Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice. More

  • in

    Izzy Goodwin relishing chance to battle London City Lionesses’ new rivals in women’s top-flight

    IZZY GOODWIN says her promotional-winning goal left her buzzing after London City Lionesses clinched a draw with Birmingham and a place in the WSL. The forward’s fiercely struck shot helped her side make the leap into the Women’s Super League for the first time in their history. Skipper Kosovare Asllani and her London City Lionesses team-mates will compete in the WSL for the first time next seasonCredit: GettyIzzy Goodwin netted the second goal that sealed an away draw with Birmingham City and the point required to ensure her team’s promotionCredit: GettyLondon City owner Michele Kang says the team have been structured with the aim of them functioning as a mid-table top-flight sideCredit: GettyLondon City’s promotion win means the WSL will have a women’s team, not affiliated with a men’s club, battling it out for points in the division next season. Their second tier triumph marks a highpoint for a side that has undergone considerable change since being acquired by American businesswoman and sports investor Michelle Kang. Goodwin, who finished this season as the second tier’s highest scorer, told Sky Sports: “I don’t think I’ve ever scored a goal like that in my life. “I put everything into it. I’m absolutely buzzing and happy I could help the team.Read More Football Stories “By the end I was so tired, I’m so happy we could get over the line.”London City winning the Women’s Championship title comes a year after they finished eighth in the second year last term. Since Kang’s December 2023 takeover, with London City becoming the third side purchased through her women’s sports organisation Kynsica, their squad has undergone an overhaul. The club signed 17 players between last summer and the end of this January including Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson with the Sweden players joining from AC Milan and San Diego Wave.Most read in FootballKang, who also owns eight-time Champions League winners Lyon and US outfit Washington Spirit, insists rebuilding has been done with the purpose of London City evolving into a mid-tier WSL side. The Kynsica Sports owner told Sky Sports: “We’ve been actually building the team to be a minimum, from day one, mid-tier WSL side. “It remains to be seen, but we’ve seen so many clubs go up (to the WSL) and then come down, so we’ve been, on purpose, building the team to be somewhere in mid-tier, but who knows?”We’re very excited. When I first came here a lot of people were concerned for me that as an independent team. “They asked how could you do this, because you don’t have a men’s team from which you can draw the equity, brand power and the fanbase. “For us, as an independent team to accomplish this in one year, this is proof that with the proper investment and the resources, anything is possible.”Goodwin, who joined the club from Sheffield United last July, added: “We all love Michelle and what she has done for this club.”To play top teams like that week in, week out, is what you dream of. I can’t wait.”London broke the deadlock in the second half at St Andrews with Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah scoring their openerCredit: GettyGoodwin broke the deadlock two minutes into second-half yesterday with a powerful right-footed effort. Read More on The SunChantelle Boye Hlorkah made it 2-0 for the visitors in the 59th minute before Birmingham struck back with goals from Emily van Egmond and Cho So-Hyun. The visitors held on to seal the win that earned them a place in the top tier six years on from them becoming a standalone side after their breakaway from Millwall.  More

  • in

    Oscar Piastri takes advantage of yet MORE Lando Norris-Max Verstappen F1 fireworks to cruise to Miami GP triumph

    OSCAR PIASTRI showed Max Verstappen who the daddy was to win the Miami Grand Prix on the Dutchman’s big weekend.Lando Norris also came in second as McLaren stole the show on the weekend that Verstappen welcomed his first child and secured pole position for Sunday’s race.Oscar Piastri was victorious in MiamiCredit: ReutersThe McLaren stars celebrate on the podiumCredit: GettyThe Dutchman, whose partner Kelly Piquet gave birth to their daughter Lily ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, settled for fourth behind George Russell in third.Ferrari suffered more team orders chaos as Lewis Hamilton was left fuming with his race engineer over swapping positions with Charles Leclerc as the seven-time world champion finished eighth behind the other Ferrari in seventh.There was drama from the start as Verstappen was a whisker ahead going into Turn One but he locked up and Lando Norris went wheel-to-wheel with him out of the corner.But the McLaren driver ran wide on the outside and dropped into sixth as Kimi Antonelli sped into second with Oscar Piastri in third.READ MORE IN F1But the pack was stabilised under a virtual safety car as Jack Doohan’s Alpine stopped on track after contact with Liam Lawson.Norris was fuming at the earlier battle with Verstappen, and said on his team radio: “He [Verstappen] forced me off mate. What am I meant to do? Just drive into the wall or something?”Like I was completely alongside?”Race Control was unfazed and noted no further investigation required between the duo and it was game on.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe battle for the lead was on and Piastri was all over Verstappen who brilliantly defended until lap 13 when the Aussie driver got past.But the McLaren attack was not done and two laps later Verstappen came under attack from Lando Norris.’I was dying inside’ – F1 fans stunned after Martin Brundle CONGRATULATES Conor Benn despite boxer losing to Eubank JrNorris lunged down the inside and got through but later gave the spot back as the battle got tasty.Finally the British driver got the job done on lap 18 and Norris got a clean overtake for second place despite Verstappen fighting tooth and nail to keep second.British Haas driver Oliver Bearman’s engine blew up and he stopped at Turn Eight prompting a Virtual Safety Car and a flurry of pit stops.It worked out very nicely for George Russell who jumped Antonelli and Verstappen into third under the VSC.There was more pit stop chaos for Red Bull as Yuki Tsunoda was slapped with a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane.Yet another VSC arrived, the third of the race as Gabriel Bortoleto stopped on the back straight with engine issues.Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton both passed Carlos Sainz with an expert double move.With 18 laps to go Piastri and Norris were separated by seven seconds and it would take a moment of magic for the Brit to close that gap.Seven-time world champion Hamilton was seething with his team who did not swap him with Leclerc.His engineer told him: “We want to keep the DRS to Charles go ahead like this.”Hamilton replies: “Man you guys! This is not good team work. That’s all I’m going to say!”Finally they switched the pair and fuming Hamilton said just before: “In China I got out of the way when you were on a different strategy. Have a tea break while you’re at it, come on!”While Leclerc said: “I need Lewis to go faster, I’ve just got dirty air now.”The Monegasque driver was all over Hamilton though and complained of his tyres overheating behind the Brit.Read More on The SunHamilton was told to “swap positions” with Leclerc and let him through into Turn 11 on lap 52, bizarrely telling Leclerc BEFORE the Brit to add to confusion.Sassy Hamilton was then told Carlos Sainz was 1.4s behind and he sarcastically responded with “Want me let him past as well?” More

  • in

    Ryan Reynolds splashes out £500k to send Wrexham squad to Las Vegas for third year in a row

    ACTOR Ryan Reynolds is splashing out £500,000 to send his Wrexham squad on a trip to Las Vegas to celebrate promotion — for the third year in a row.He and fellow owner Rob McElhenney promised to reward the players and staff if they made it to the Championship.Ryan Reynolds is splashing out £500,000 to send his Wrexham squad on a trip to Las VegasCredit: APDefender Max Cleworth is looking forward to the Vegas tripCredit: APDefender Max Cleworth said: “I can’t wait. “That’s the main thing this week. “I don’t think I’ll sleep until we go.”It will be his first trip to Sin City in Nevada but the third for some of the club — with Ryan and Rob picking up the tab.read more on wrexhamWrexham was a non-league club when the two actors bought it in 2020. Next season, the Welsh side will be in the second tier of English football.Manager Phil Parkinson, who is not going, said: “They deserve it.“I’ll be turning my phone off.Most read in Football“I just want a message when they’re all back in the country in one piece.”Celebrity Wrexham owner spotted in retro Celtic strip as he asks ‘are they Catholics or Protestants’Ryan and Rob McElhenney promised to reward the players and staff if they made it to the Championship.Credit: ReutersUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

  • in

    Forgotten England striker sends Thomas Tuchel selection headache after becoming Champions League winner

    IVAN TONEY handed Thomas Tuchel a new selection headache by adding ‘Champions League winner’ to his CV.England striker Toney helped Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ahli defeat Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 to lift Asia’s elite club trophy.Ivan Toney poses with his medal after winning the Asian Champions LeagueCredit: AFPToney, 29, left Brentford for Saudi Arabia last summerCredit: GettyToney celebrates with his Al-Ahli team-matesCredit: GettyTuchel picked Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke ahead of Toney for his first Three Lions squad two months ago.This was Toney’s first major trophy win — and was Al-Ahli’s debut Champions League final success after near misses in 1986 and 2012.Toney, 29, left Brentford in a £40million switch last summer having played three games for Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024.And he was not the only ex-Prem star to pick up medals as Al-Ahli triumphed in Jeddah.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez and ex-Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino had both won Uefa’s Champions League with their former clubs.Whil Edouard Mendy helped Chelsea prevail in the competition four years ago.Firmino set up both goals, teeing up fellow Brazilian Galeno for a 35th-minute opener and crossing for Franck Kessie seven minutes later.Toney — who has bagged 26 goals in 39 Al-Ahli appearances —   might have netted early on but  was denied by keeper Louis Yamaguchi.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRoberto Firmino hailed his side as ‘mentality monsters’Credit: GettyEdouard Mendy was in goal for the victorious Saudi sideCredit: GettyRiyad Mahrez poses alongside team-mate Ziyad Al-JohaniCredit: GettyFirmino, who left Anfield in 2023, said: “This title win shows we have a monster mentality.”We believed we could be champions and we’ve done it.”Inside Ivan Toney’s wild £100k birthday party with free booze for women guests More

  • in

    Serie A star Edoardo Bove bursts into tears as he makes first appearance at Roma stadium since collapsing on pitch

    EDOARDO BOVE made an emotional return to Roma this evening, six months on from collapsing during a match.While on loan at Fiorentina, the 22-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest during a match against Inter Milan and was rushed to hospital.Edoardo Bove received a warm reception from Roma supportersCredit: GettyBove, 22, was visibly moved by his Stadio Olimpico returnCredit: GettyBove caught up with his Roma team-matesCredit: SplashBove was subsequently discharged 12 days later, having had a defibrillator fitted.The midfielder has since been recovering and has signalled his intention to return to action next season.Born in the Italian capital, Bove came through the ranks at boyhood club Roma.The Italy Under-21 international joined Fiorentina on loan last summer and remains contracted to Roma until 2028.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith Fiorentina travelling to Roma earlier today, Bove made his first return to a packed Stadio Olimpico since his cardiac arrest.While still not back in action, the homecoming hero travelled with his team-mates to the match and was met with a brilliant response.Bove was visibly moved during a rapturous reception from Roma’s Curva Sud.While a banner read: “Edoardo, don’t give up, keep dreaming.”Most read in FootballSpeaking to the Italian edition of Vanity Fair earlier this year, Bove signalled his intention to return to action.The star said: “I know that this is a temporary condition. My goal is to return to playing in June.Christian Eriksen heads to public heart screening and urges fans to get checked after Euro 2020 cardiac arrest “I still have a few (medical) visits to do, the doctors have to cross-reference all of the data.”On how his defibrillator could affect his career, given that they are banned in Serie A, Bove added: “If I decide to keep it, I won’t be able to play in Italy.”Here, health comes before the individual, I’m not saying that the rule is wrong.”Abroad, yes, (it is possible to play) practically everywhere. Football is too important for me, I can’t allow myself to give up like this.”I’ll try again, without a shadow of a doubt. I will also see how I am, If I’m afraid, if I don’t feel calm, then everything will change.”Serie A’s defibrillator rule led to Christian Eriksen leaving Inter Milan, with the Dane initially returning to action with Brentford before signing for Manchester United.Bove collapsed during a match in December and was taken to hospitalCredit: Getty More