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      Man City PULL OUT of Florian Wirtz transfer race in boost to Liverpool after learning staggering cost in fee and wages

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      MANCHESTER CITY have pulled out of the race to sign Florian Wirtz, reports suggest.City had been eyeing a potential deal for the German to make him the successor to Kevin de Bruyne, who is leaving the Etihad when his contract expires this summer.Florian Wirtz was being targeted by Man CityCredit: GettyBut City have pulled out of the race after reportedly discovering a deal would cost around 300m eurosCredit: GettyHowever, Pep Guardiola’s men have pulled out of the race to sign the Bayer Leverkusen ace after they discovered a deal could cost them a total of £252million.That figure – equivalent to 300m euros – is inclusive of transfer fees and wages which would make it the biggest deal in City’s history.Wirtz, 22, has scored 16 goals and added 15 assists across all competitions for Xabi Alonso’s Bayer this season and is widely regarded as one of the leading talents in European football.According to the BBC, City are said to be concerned that the deal is “over-inflated” and therefore does not represent value for money.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe move by the beaten FA Cup finalists leaves Premier League champions Liverpool and Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich as the front-runners to land Wirtz.City have a history of pulling out of deals they deem to be above market value.They famously pulled out of the race to land England captain Harry Kane from Tottenham in 2022 before going on to sign Erling Haaland.City had also wanted to get their hands on the likes of Jorginho, Fred and Frenkie de Jong for their midfield before landing Ballon d’Or winner Rodri in 2019.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLikewise, Ruben Dias was signed instead of Harry Maguire of Kalidou Koulibaly.In terms of alternatives to Wirtz, both Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders have been linked.Man City and Crystal Palace staff in furious touchline bust-up as they are forced apart in FA Cup finalLiverpool’s own chase for Wirtz comes after they have already been linked with stunning swoops for team-mate Jeremie Frimpong and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez to overhaul their full-back options. More

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      Five Arsenal stars at risk as ruthless Arteta prepares for squad overhaul after sending clear transfer message to board

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      THERE was a noticeable change in tone during Mikel Arteta’s Emirates address on Sunday.Last season, having taken Manchester City to the final day and agonisingly missing out on the Premier League title by two points, the Arsenal boss was emotional but indignant.Mikel Arteta gave an impassioned speech to the Emirates faithful after Arsenal’s home game of the seasonCredit: GETTYThe Spaniard insisted his troops would continue to chase silverware with ‘enthusiasm and positivity’Credit: GETTYThe Spaniard could wave goodbye to five players this coming summerCredit: GETTYWith a beaming smile, Arteta said in May 2024: “Don’t be satisfied, because we want much more than that and we are going to get it.”Twelve months on – stood on the Emirates pitch once more having confirmed a third-successive second-place Prem spot – there was an anger and frustration weighing down Arteta’s words in the aftermath of a 1-0 victory over Newcastle.The Spaniard said: “We had a dream, it was to bring the big trophies to you guys. Unfortunately we haven’t been able to do it.“But make sure that chasing that dream doesn’t get blurry. READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS”Make sure we chase that dream with enthusiasm and positivity towards next season.”Ahead of one of the biggest summers at the club for years, Arteta then did something he had previously been reluctant to do in public: call out the owners.Arteta told Sky Sports: “Finish the season, go to the beach, enjoy a few days and make sure the ones upstairs do what they have to do.”It was clear-cut, unmistakable and cheekily blunt that will remind the board just how important this transfer window is, and how they cannot afford to make any mistakes.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIn a clear message to Stan and Josh Kroenke – the holders of the purse strings in North London – Arteta knows he is a few missing pieces away from guiding the club to major honours, and they need to walk through the door over the next few weeks and months.Otherwise, for the first time in his five-and-a-half-year reign, the until-now loyal and loving fanbase could turn against their beloved coach and demand change in the pursuit of titles. Mikel Arteta will be sacked by Christmas if Arsenal are not in top two, warns former Gunners starIn order to avoid that, Arteta will be ruthless not only with incomings but outgoings too. No one will be safe from the chop, even previously reliable faces.He admitted in his post-Newcastle press conference: “We need players because the squad is really short, and on top of that we are losing four or five players that are going to end [their] contracts, and their loans are finished. “So, we need to be sharp, very disciplined in what we want to do, and make sure that we are strong next season.”Those “four or five” include two loanees – keeper Neto from Bournemouth and winger Raheem Sterling from Chelsea.Sterling is not expected to be extending his time at Arsenal, but remains in the dark over his future in England with a lack of communication from parent club Chelsea throughout this campaign.His loan has been viewed as a disappointment, with Arteta expecting a much bigger impact from a player he learned to love during his assistant coach days at Man City, bringing him in on deadline day last summer in a late call to add another body to the squad.However, there are those who will rightly argue that Sterling has been given little chance to build up any sort of momentum on the pitch, even during Bukayo Saka’s three-month injury absence from December to March, starting just seven games in all competitions since the turn of the year.Arteta has already moved on from the 30-year-old, opting against bringing him on in what would have been his last chance to play in front of the Emirates fans last weekend.While 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri has proved he can provide back-up for Saka on the right wing, Arteta will push to sign a left winger this summer, which will threaten starting spots for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.Jorginho and Oleksandr Zinchenko could be on their way oit of the Emirates this summerCredit: GETTYLeandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling are also set for exitsCredit: GETTYScotland international Kieran Tierney is set to rejoin CelticCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKShould top target Nico Williams be signed from Athletic Bilbao, then Trossard could be moved on to raise funds – the Belgian has just one year left on his current contract and has been linked to a Saudi move.Arteta’s ruthlessness is also needed at left-back. Kieran Tierney’s return to Celtic is expected to be completed soon with his deal expiring at the end of the term, while Oleksandr Zinchenko has drawn interest from Borussia Dortmund after losing his place to academy star Myles Lewis-Skelly. The Ukrainian’s leadership, influence in the dressing room and positional flexibility is highly valued by Arteta, but again, with 12 months left on the 28-year-old’s deal, this could be a chance to cash in on a player they spent £35m on from City in the summer of 2022.And then there is the midfield dilemma. On the pitch with his family and friends after the Toon victory, Jorginho, 33, acted like he was saying a fond farewell with his contract soon up and a chance to return to his birthplace, Brazil, to see out the rest of his career.Thomas Partey is in a similar position, but sporting director Andrea Berta is believed to be keen to explore a contract extension for the 31-year-old, even with a £51m deal already agreed for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.Arteta admitted last week that he knew Arsenal’s squad was too small before this season even started. So, with five potentially out the door, at least five will be targeted to replace them.Read More on The SunZubimendi for £51m. Williams for £50m? Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres for around £60m? Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia for around £25m?This will be a summer of great change at Arsenal, and Arteta knows it is required to achieve great things. More

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      Jeremie Frimpong signs one of biggest boot deals in history as incoming Liverpool ace bags deal on par with Lionel Messi

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      JEREMIE FRIMPONG has signed one of the biggest boot deals in football history.And it has put the incoming Liverpool star on a par with the likes of Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.Jeremie Frimpong is on the brink of signing for Liverpool from Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GettyFrimpong has already signed a big contract – worth £20m with New BalanceCredit: Instagram @jeremiefrimpongWing-back Frimpong, 24, is on the brink of completing a £29.5million move to Anfield.The Reds triggered his Bayer Leverkusen release clause to make Frimpong Real Madrid-bound Trent Alexander-Arnold’s successor.He has agreed a five-year deal at Anfield and is set for a medical today.That comes after he penned a mammoth contract with New Balance.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAccording to the Daily Mail, the Dutch international signed a £20m agreement with the boot manufacturers. The American sportswear giants see Frimpong as one of the hottest talents in Europe – and were therefore keen to tie him down with the megabucks.The £20m contract, signed by January, incorporates Frimpong’s commitment to community and family with his charity Pathways which supports footballers who do not reach the very top level. And that figure is similar to the value of Messi’s deal with adidas and Erling Haaland’s with Nike, emphasising just how highly regarded Frimpong is.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNew Balance also have Bukayo Saka, Endrick, Eberechi Eze, Harvey Elliott and Raheem Sterling among their list of clients. Ex-Manchester City youngster Frimpong is not the only full-back expected to sign for Liverpool this summer.Fans convinced Frimpong will join Liverpool after spotting his Holland camp antics The Premier League champions are also chasing left-back Milos Kerkez.The Hungarian, 21, has enjoyed a superb season for Bournemouth, attracting plenty of transfer interest.And Liverpool are said to be in advanced talks over Kerkez, who has had a reported £45m price tag put on him by the Cherries.Kerkez’s arrival could spell danger for the futures of both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, with the potential big-money signing coming in.Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was at Bournemouth when Kerkez signed from AZ in 2023.Frimpong was snapped up as one of the hottest talents in European footballCredit: Instagram @jeremiefrimpongLiverpool are hoping to sign Milos Kerkez from BournemouthCredit: Getty More

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      Goals 4 GOSH: Date, kick-off time and how to watch star-studded charity match as Chelsea legend Eden Hazard makes debut

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      CHELSEA legend Eden Hazard will nostalgically lace up his boots to feature in the star-studded Goals 4 GOSH charity match.This is set to be the fifth edition of the match which is put on to support Great Ormond Street Hospital.Eden Hazard will be rolling back the years at Goals 4 GOSHCredit: GettyRegional Development Director at Funeral Partners, Jamie Groves and his co-organiser, Charlotte Styles, both spearhead the event and all the proceeds go to GOSH.Celebrities from TV, entertainment and music will also grace the pitch including the likes of Bionic from BBC’s Gladiator, YouTube superstar Danny Aarons and UK rapper SwarmzAnd not only will fans get to watch a thrilling game of football, but there will be a lot of fun family activities on the day.When is the Goals 4 GOSH charity match?Goals 4 GOSH will take place on Sunday, May 25 – which is also the final day of the Premier League season.The huge charity match is scheduled to get underway at 4pm BST.Organisers have announced that there will also be a content creators tournament that is expected to start at around 10:30am BST.Plough Lane – the home of AFC Wimbledon is the chosen venue for this great event.Read more on footballHow can I watch the Goals 4 GOSH charity match?Details of how to watch the Goals 4 GOSH charity match are yet to be confirmed.However, tickets are available for purchase through the official Goals 4 GOSH Instagram page.All proceeds will be going to the Great Ormond Street Hospital.Who is playing in the Goals 4 GOSH charity match?Eden HazardEman SV2Wayne RoutledgeTroy DeeneyGrime GranRon HallMannyJoel BayaGemma DavisonBeau the BeardNathan DaweSwarmzA StarLianne SandersonShane LongDanny AaronsAdrian MariappaJoe ColeJason EuellPaul GortonLeon Jackman Nathan KhiderMarc WhiteJay & PoppyMatty BriggsSpecs GonzalezFara WilliamsBionicJolie SharpeStuart DouglasColin Kazim-RichardsLia LewisBig GFennersJunior AndreKatie ChapmanMost read in FootballWhat has been said?Jamie Froves and Charlotte Styles won the Care Award for consistently putting such an incredible Goals 4 GOSH event.Speaking after winning the award, Jamie said: “To be honest, I didn’t realise there were even awards going on.“Getting chosen, as the winner was a bit mind-blowing.“Every single penny makes such a difference when it comes to the hospital’s equipment, beds and everything else.“They rely so much on the funding that the charity provides.“So, it is a massive thanks to every single player, volunteer, supporter and everybody involved.” More

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      in Boxing

      UFC chief Dana White suddenly CUT from Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford fight

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      DANA WHITE has suddenly been cut from promoting Canelo Alvarez’s fight against Terence Crawford. TKO Holdings – who own the UFC and WWE – signed a multi-year partnership to establish a boxing promotion alongside Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.Jon Anik, Turki Alalshikh, and UFC boss Dana WhiteCredit: GettyAs well as a UFC-style boxing league, two super-fights were set to be promoted by TKO and White every year. And Canelo’s blockbuster against Crawford was due to kickstart the partnership on Friday, September 12 in Las Vegas at the Raiders Stadium.Then all of a sudden, Alalshikh told Ring Magazine – which he owns – that the date of the bout was set to change to Saturday, September 13. And he was also considering having the bout move to New York or Los Angeles – opposed to the £1.5BILLION, 65,000-seat Raiders Stadium. READ MORE IN BOXINGIt caused huge confusion with the news the fight would also be under the Riyadh Season banner and on pay-per-view. That suggested White and Netflix were out of the picture – with UFC 320 also set for September 13 and due to clash with the new Canelo date. Now, Alalshikh has confirmed Saudi-based Sela will promote the super-middleweight title decider for Riyadh. A broadcaster is not yet decided but Riyadh Season have an exclusive deal with sports streaming service DAZN – who operate a PPV platform. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNetflix debuted in boxing in November when Mike Tyson controversially came out of retirement aged 58 to fight Jake Paul. And over 100 MILLION tuned in to watch YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul’s points win – causing the stream to crash. Cacace Crushes Wood, AJ & Pacquiao Plot Shock Returns | Split DecisionThe dramatic turn of events leaves White and TKO’s future in boxing up in the air – despite their plans to launch a brand new boxing league. On Monday, May 12 Alalshikh revealed he was flying to New York with White also posting a picture in the Big Apple soon after. SunSport understands Canelo, 34, and Crawford, 37, were also set to join them to film content with Netflix ahead of the bout. But, just a day later and Alalshikh dropped the news that the fight’s date and location was under consideration. White is yet to comment on his apparent removal from the mega-boxing bout and the future of his league. He has partnered with Alalshikh before having held two events in Riyadh in the past. Read More on The SunCanelo beat William Scull, 32, to regain the 168lb undisputed thrown in early May as part of his four-bout deal with Alalshikh. Meanwhile Crawford has not fought since moving up to 154lb to win the WBA title against Israil Madrimov, 30, in August 2024. Terence Crawford facing off with Canelo AlvarezCredit: Getty More

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      Serie A preparing for bonkers PLAYOFF to decide title as final day fixtures are moved at last minute

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      THE ITALIAN title deciding games are set to be moved forward by 48 hours – in case there needs to be a play-off next week.Napoli lead defending champions Inter Milan by a single point after the San Siro side conceded a 90th-minute equaliser against Lazio on Sunday.The Serie A title could be decided by a rare playoffNapoli and Inter Milan are fighting for the Serie A titleOn a mad evening, which also saw Napoli held to a goalless draw at relegation-threatened Parma, all FOUR coaches involved in the two matches were sent off.Inter boss Simone Inzaghi and Lazio counterpart Marco Baroni were both dismissed after a spat followed the award of former Chelsea winger Pedro’s equalising spot-kick.In the other match, Napoli’s Antonio Conte and home boss Cristian Chivu also saw red after the former Chelsea and Spurs boss lost it with a group of Parma players in the last minute.It means both Conte and Inzaghi are banned from the bench for the final games of the season, when Napoli host Cagliari and Inter travel to Cesc Fabregas’ Como. Read More on FootballUnder rules introduced in 2022-23, teams level on points in the Serie A title are separated by the head to head record, rather than on goal difference.Both games between the top two finished in 1-1 draws, meaning they would be locked together if Inter draw and Napoli lose.But with Inter due to be in Munich for the Champions League Final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 31, it has left Italian league chiefs scrambling for a solution.That will see the two crucial Serie A matches played on Friday night, with the rest of the programme still kicking off on Sunday afternoon.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIf the results do make a play-off required, that is expected to be held next Monday.Inter, with the better goal difference of the two, would have home advantage with the game – and the title – settled by penalties if there was no winner after extra-time.With Atalanta confirmed in third, the fourth and final Champions League spot for next season will also be on the line on Sunday.Juventus – a point clear of Roma – travel to Venezia, who must win to have any chance of avoiding relegation.Claudio Ranieri’s Roma are at Juventus’ city rivals Torino, while Lazio – a point further behind – face Lecce, who need a win to be sure of survival.A playoff for the title in Italy has only been played once before in 1964 when Bologna beat Inter 2-0. More

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      SFA to review ‘corrupt’ Rangers TV comments made by Ibrox hero in wake of Hibs ‘ghost goal’ controversy

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      THE SFA are launching an investigation into comments made by former Rangers defender John Brown whilst appearing on the club’s official TV channel.Brown, 63, sounded off on-air on Rangers TV about the failure to award Rangers a second goal against Hibs in the first half.Nicolas Raskin thought he’d put Rangers 2-0 up against HibsCredit: PABut Nick Walsh didn’t give it and Hibs went up and scored at the other endCredit: Willie VassNicolas Raskin had ran through and beat goalkeeper Jordan Smith to the ball, poking it under his body.The ball appeared to cross the line but referee Nick Walsh didn’t signal for it and he wasn’t called to review the incident by VAR.Gers interim boss Barry Ferguson later criticised Walsh for his attitude on the park and called the decision “baffling”.But in the immediate aftermath of the flash point, Rangers TV co-commentator Brown was even more incredulous and his remarks could land him – and the club – in hot water.The nine-in-a-row hero branded it “corrupt”, before lead commentator Tom Miller said: “Well, I’m not sure we can actually say that.”Those are not necessarily the views of Rangers Football Club.”Brown continued: “Well, I am saying it.””That’s a disgrace and it’s the worst decision I’ve seen in all the years I’ve been in football.”Most read in FootballMiller added: “John Brown obviously has his own opinion there, but it’s certainly questionable.”Those comments have caught the eye of the SFA’s Compliance Offer and a charge could be forthcoming.Dundee Utd fan ‘caught mocking Ibrox disaster’ during Rangers clash days after Celtic supporter lost jobAccording to The Herald, the SFA believe there are grounds for action under article 29.2 of the rules which reads: “A club or recognised football body which publishes, distributes, issues, sells or authorises a third party to publish, distribute, issue or sell a match programme or any other publication or audio/visual material of any description in any media now existing or hereinafter invented, including but not limited to the Internet, social networking or micro-blogging sites, shall ensure that any such publications or audio/visual material does not contain any criticism of any match official calculated to indicate bias or incompetence on the part of such match official or to impinge upon his character.”Celtic were previously subject to a review when club legend and club TV pundit Tom Boyd alluded to referee John Beaton drinking in a Rangers pub.He said in 2019: “If he doesn’t know that’s a penalty he should not be in the middle of the park refereeing a football game.”He’ll probably be welcomed down his pub tonight again.”Celtic rushed to defend club legend Boyd after his misdemeanor and it remains to be seen if Rangers do the same with Brown. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Man Utd files: Seven strikers targeted across two transfer wishlists in case United miss out on Champions League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S summer striker search will be shaped by Bilbao on Wednesday night.Beating Tottenham to lift the Europa League will make a £100million-plus difference to United’s finances – as well as bringing silverware and a ticket back to the Champions League elite.Viktor Gyokeres is a target for Manchester UnitedCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSo too is RB Leipzig striker Benjamin SeskoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialLiam Delap is set to leave Ipswich after the club’s relegation from the Prem and is at the top of United’s wishlistCredit: AlamyUnited scouts have scoured the market over the past six months, desperate to give Ruben Amorim the attacking weaponry he needs to take the Old Trafford club back into Premier League title contention.Yet if Ange Postecoglou and his Spurs players are parading around San Mames in joy after the final whistle, the knock-on effects for United’s recruitment drive will be huge.United’s talent-spotters have kept tabs on Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Moise Kean, Liam Delap, Mateo Retegui and Jean-Philippe Mateta as well as Udinese’s “Tower of Pisa” Lorenzo Lucca.Both Gyokeres, 26, and Sesko, 21, are also targets for Arsenal, who have reportedly made the Sporting Lisbon striker No1 on their shortlist.Swede sensation Gyokeres is one of Europe’s hottest properties after netting 53 goals so far this term, with Portuguese champions Sporting willing to let him go for around £60m.Amorim knows his former star well but he is unlikely to come to Old Trafford without top-level European football.Likewise, RB Leipzig star Sesko’s reported £64m release clause would be out of United’s price range, too, given their PSR concerns – unless Amorim can shift out a swathe of his current players.Delap, 22, would cost just £30m thanks to a relegation clause in his Ipswich contract and is believed to be the Red Devils’ top target.The former Manchester City striker has impressed in an often lonely and forlorn role, scoring 12 Prem goals and showing power and intelligence.But there are questions, too, over whether he would join United without European football, especially if fellow admirers Chelsea qualify for the Champions League.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesSunSport understands the Blues – managed by Delap’s former City academy coach, Enzo Maresca – are confident of landing the England Under-21 international.Should United miss out on Champions League football, it would mean shopping in a different market – less Harrods, more Waitrose.Ex-Everton forward Kean, Atalanta’s Retegui and Lucca are among the fallback options.Italy star Retegui, 26, has 23 goals in 31 games for Atalanta this term, with Liverpool reportedly also interested.Kean, 25, flopped in the Premier League with the Toffees but has revived his career with 17 league goals in 30 games for Fiorentina this season, while 6ft 7in Lucca has netted 11 Serie A goals for mid-table Udinese.Amorim’s scouting team have also identified Crystal Palace’s Mateta, 27, following his 14-goal breakout season.The Frenchman, who showed his value once more in Palace’s FA Cup triumph at Wembley on Saturday,  would cost around £30m, with the Eagles already resigned to losing him in the summer.United are also big fans of Marcus Thuram at Inter Milan but a deal could be tricky as his agent does not get on with Red Devils CEO Omar Berrada.Lorenzo Lucca is Udinese’s ‘Tower of Pisa’ up frontCredit: GettyEverton flop Moise Kean, now at Fiorentina, is a surprise target for UnitedCredit: GettyMateo Retegui of Atalanta is also on their listCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta – another target – celebrates Crystal Palace’s FA Cup winCredit: GettyWIL POWER UNITED hope technical director Jason Wilcox could be their trump card in the battle with Chelsea for Delap.Ruben Amorim has identified the England Under-21 striker as one of the men who could solve their chronic goal-scoring problems next season.And Wilcox knows him well through his work at the City Football Academy while Delap was coming through the ranks.He was the head of the youth set up at the Etihad when Delap joined from Derby in 2019. That personal relationship might give United an advantage.Man Utd technical director Jason WilcoxCredit: GettyTURKISH DELIGHT TURKISH champions Galatasaray could give United a way out of their increasingly troublesome Jadon Sancho predicament.United believed they had seen the last of the former England winger when he was sent on loan to Chelsea with a £25m obligation to buy him at the end of this season.But Chelsea are understood to be ready to send Sancho, 25, back to Old Trafford for a £5m “penalty” repayment, leaving Amorim with another player he knows the club do not want.With Sancho having a year of his contract remaining, United need to raise just under £15m for him this summer to avoid a PSR “loss” on any move.Galatasaray, who clinched the Turkish crown this weekend, are gearing up for their Champions League return and are ready to come in with a bid.Sancho, though, who broke through at Borussia Dortmund after leaving Manchester City when he was just 17, might be more tempted by a return to the Bundesliga, especially with Bayer Leverkusen expected to undergo a major rebuild following the departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.Jadon Sancho is wanted by Turkish champions GalatasarayCredit: GettyFRIENDLY FIRE HARRY MAGUIRE and Amad Diallo were among a handful of players on media duty when United held their Europa League open day – and all seemed to be harmonious between the pair.That might not be the case on Saturday though – as two of their former clubs go head to head at Wembley in the Championship play-off final.Maguire took time out from his busy season to watch Sheffield United complete their demolition of Bristol City last Monday night.And 24 hours later, Amad sent a good luck message to his old team-mates at the Stadium of Light – which maybe helped inspire their dramatic late winner against Coventry.Neither player is likely to be at Wembley for the final as Man United play Aston Villa in their last Prem game of the season the following day.Harry Maguire watched Sheffield United’s play-off semi-finalCredit: GettyFAN FRIENDLY THOUSANDS of United supporters are heading to Bilbao – many of them with tickets for the game and some without.But all will be encouraged to visit the designated fan zone at Etxebarria Park – which is described as ‘one of the largest green zones in the city’.It is surrounded by green hills and offers magnificent views of Bilbao – according to the local tourist board – so supporters should be quite happy there.Local police are not anticipating too much trouble but the Spurs faithful will be directed towards the Amezola area of the city for their fan zone.Man Utd’s designated fan zone at Etxebarria ParkCredit: AlamyPICTURE THATDAVID DE GEA netted a whopping £22.8 in image rights while at United.The Spanish star – set for a return to Old Trafford in a pre-season friendly with Fiorentina – built up a fortune of £22,755,059 in Bedamarse Ltd, the company he used to handle his off-field pay. The keeper’s fortune shot up £3.5m in his last season at Old Trafford, the equivalent of £67,300 a week, according to accounts.The mega pay came on top of De Gea’s £375,000 a week wages.As well as image rights payments, De Gea signed a number of lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of Adidas, Pepsi and EA Sports.David de Gea netted a whopping £22.8m in image rights while at Manchester United.Credit: PALEAVING A MARC MARCUS RASHFORD paid himself a huge £12.2m dividend last year.The forward paid himself the huge sum from his investment company, MUCS Enterprises.Rashford also took out an interest free loan from the business worth £6.6m.The company made a profit of £6.2m in 2024.And despite pocketing the huge sums, his firm still has assets worth £5.6m.The on-loan Villa striker has also hit the jackpot with his investment properties.The total value of his rental properties jumped by almost £700,000 last year – from £7.1m in 2023 to £7.8m, according to latest paperwork for his rental firm, MUCS Properties Limited.Marcus Rashford paid himself a huge £12.2m dividend last yearCredit: RexGETTING SHIRTY MANCHESTER UNITED and Liverpool may be miles apart in the Premier League, but the fierce rivals both banked £123m in kit sales last season.The pair received the whopping sum from kit and merchandise sales, according to a fresh Uefa report.Only Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich pocketed more than the Premiership giants.Jude Bellingham helped Real Madrid top the charts with club sales worth £165m last season.The England man’s shirt is the most popular in the club’s official stores.Bruno Fernandes jerseys are the biggest sellers at Old Trafford, while Mo Salah’s shirt is among the most popular for champions Liverpool.Man Utd banked £123million in kit sales last seasonCredit: GettyWAYNE TO GOWAYNE ROONEY has won a £200,000 windfall after defeating HMRC in a long-running dispute.The United legend, 39, has landed the huge sum after closing down the firm he used for his lucrative sponsorship deals and image rights as a player.He has been waiting for three years for the payment after placing his company, called Stoneygate 48 Limited, into voluntary liquidation.Company liquidators said: “We have continued to be in contact with HMRC over a substantial tax refund which was due. This has resulted in a substantial but, in our opinion, partial repayment. We are seeking clarification of whether anything else is due.”The Manchester United legend received £22.2m after closing down the firm, including £11.9m in cash and more than £9mfrom the sale of properties.Wayne Rooney has won a £200,000 windfall after defeating HMRC in a long-running disputeCredit: GettyFROM THE GROUND UP UNITED’s new stadium bill could reach £4BILLION, according to industry experts.A number of experts have warned in private that the Red Devils’ ambitious plans for a 100,000-seater arena could spiral out of control.The new stadium will replace Old Trafford, which has been the Red Devils’ home since 1910.Ineos chief and club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe put an ambitious five-year target on the build.It would see United move into their new ground for the 2030-31 campaign.But industry insiders believe that United’s plans could cost double the club’s £2bn budget.A concept of Man Utd’s new stadiumCredit: PA More