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    Fulham release THIRTEEN players including former Arsenal and Chelsea star Willian and Carlos Vinicius

    FULHAM have released THIRTEEN stars after missing out on European football this season.The list includes former Arsenal and Chelsea winger Willian and 30-year-old striker Carlos Vinicius.Ex-Chelsea winger Willian has been released by FulhamCarlos Vinícius has not been offered fresh terms eitherBoth Willian and Vinicuis will leave Fulham after the expiry of their respective contracts at the end of this month.Willian, 36, scored 10 goals and provided seven assists in 79 appearances across three years at Craven Cottage.But the two-time Premier League winner with London rivals Chelsea saw his playing time significantly reduced this season.The Brazilian joined Olympiacos as a free agent last September, but rejoined Fulham in January after having his Greek contract terminated by mutual consent.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSince then Willian has featured just 10 times in the Prem, starting just two games with zero goal contributions.Meanwhile, Vinicius has scored eight goals since arriving on deadline day at the beginning of Fulham’s first season back in the top-flight in 2022.On Wednesday, Fulham confirmed second-string players Terry Ablade, Luca Ashby-Hammond, Chris Donnell, Connor McAvoy, Delano McCoy-Splatt and Imani Lanquedoc will all leave this month.And academy lads Callum McFarlane, Damon Park, Stefan Parkes, Luca Picotto and Oscar Varney must find new clubs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA club statement read: “We would like to thank all the players leaving us this summer for their efforts during their time at the Club, and wish them all the very best of luck in their next chapters.”Meanwhile, captain Tom Cairney and defender Kenny Tete have been offered new contracts.Ex-Fulham and Portsmouth goalkeeper reveals gruesome finger injuries after years of playing without goalie glovesAs have academy players Luc De Fougerolles, Callum Osmand and Lemar Gordon.Cairney, who joined Fulham in 2015, started just three Prem games last season.The 34-year-old has been linked with newly promoted Championship side Wrexham.Fulham are now primed to move for a 23-goal striker who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.Marco Silva’s side are eyeing Hamburg striker Davie Selke, with West Ham also interested.The West London team finished mid-table again last season in 11th -and will push for European football next season.Tom Cairney has been offered a new deal to stay at Craven Cottage More

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    Ex-Chelsea star Paul Canoville rushed to hospital after ‘serious decline in physical health’

    FORMER Chelsea star Paul Canoville has been rushed to hospital after a “serious decline in physical health.”The 63-year-old was the first black footballer to play for the Blues after signing from Hillingdon Borough in 1981.Chelsea icon Paul Canoville has been rushed to hospitalCredit: GettyCanoville was the first black footballer to play for the BluesCredit: Sporting PicturesThe former winger led Chelsea to the Second Division title in 1984Credit: Getty – ContributorAnd after winning over the boo boys, Canoville became a club icon by leading them to the Second Division title in 1984.However, the former Chelsea winger — who went on to score 15 goals in 103 games before joining Reading in 1986 — is now in hospital after a major health setback.He has been forced to cancel several charitable appearances, including the premiere of a documentary about his own life on Thursday.And Canoville, who battled crack cocaine addiction and cancer later in his career, is now looking to recuperate after also suffering a “significant toll on his mental well-being.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement from the Paul Canoville Foundation read: “It is with a heavy heart that I share an update on the health of our Founder, Paul Canoville.“Paul is currently in hospital due to a serious decline in his physical health, which has also taken a significant toll on his mental well-being. “As someone who has overcome extraordinary challenges throughout his life, Paul remains determined — but he now needs time, care, and space to recover.“His recent absence from school visits and, most heartbreakingly, the Show Racism the Red Card reception at Downing Street earlier this week, has been deeply upsetting for him. Most read in Football”We also want to prepare friends and supporters that Paul is very unlikely to attend the premiere of the new documentary about his life tomorrow evening (Thursday) at Regent Street Cinema — something he had been immensely looking forward to.“Out of respect for his need to rest and heal, we kindly ask that people refrain from contacting Paul directly at this time. Canoville later battled crack cocaine addiction and cancerCredit: PAHe now runs the Paul Canoville FoundationCredit: Beats by Dre and Chelsea FC“Any messages of support can be shared as comments on our social posts and we will ensure Paul sees these once well enough.“Paul’s regular public appearances are an important part of his income. While he takes this time away, we’re asking for donations to help ease that burden and continue the Foundation’s impactful work.“Thank you for your compassion, your understanding, and your continued support.”Chelsea sent their best wishes to their former star and paid tribute to him in a statement.It read: “Our thoughts are with Paul Canoville and his family at this difficult time.”Paul’s incredible endurance as a player and through his Foundation’s work has provided inspiration for so many.”After his time at Reading, Canoville turned out for Enfield, Maidenhead, Burnham, Northwood and Egham Town before retiring in 1994.Towards the end of his career Canoville became addicted to crack cocaine and had several stints in rehab.The ace was also twice diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and 2004, making a full recovery each time.Read More on The SunIn 2015, he set up the Paul Canoville Foundation to support vulnerable children and young people.And in 2021, Canoville was hospitalised after complications from emergency surgery before returning to his Foundation work. More

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    Sunderland confirm club record £20m signing in first summer transfer after winning promotion to Premier League

    SUNDERLAND have confirmed Enzo Le Fee will join them permanently for £20m after helping the club to promotion.The French star, 25, reunited with his former Lorient boss Regis Le Bris in January on a six-month loan from Roma that ended with Championship play-off glory.Sunderland have confirmed Enzo Le Fee will join them permanently for £20mThe 25-year-old helped the Black Cats to Premier League promotionWinger Le Fee has now penned a four-year contract to become the Black Cats’ first summer signing.He said: “I said before the play-off final that my heart was in Sunderland – I wanted to stay and this made it the most important game of my life.“Together we did it. From the moment I arrived, I have enjoyed my football, my team-mates, and our supporters. “We shared an incredible experience, and now we get to take the next step.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“There are greater challenges ahead, but we must face them together. “And I can’t wait to play for Sunderland in the Premier League.”After triggering the clause to make the switch permanent, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “In Enzo, we knew we were acquiring a very high-level player who could be influential in critical moments – the moments that change the outcome of games and seasons.“He’s been a big part of our success, so we’re delighted that he’s signing permanently and joining us in the Premier League. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS “Above all else, he’s been a team player, and following our play-off final victory, I think everyone could see exactly what the club means to him.”Since January, Le Fee has scored one goal and provided three assists in 18 Championship appearances, starting 11 of them – including the play-offs.Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inMeanwhile, Sunderland are trying to keep hold of Jobe Bellingham after interest from Borussia Dortmund and Frankfurt.The Black Cats could hold out for £25m for Bellingham, 19, who won Championship Young Player of the Year this season.He is the brother of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who won the same award in 2020 while playing for Birmingham City.The midfielder could face his older brother in the Club World Club if he joins Jude’s former club Dortmund before June 10.Sunderland are trying to keep hold of Jobe Bellingham after interest from Borussia Dortmund More

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    Fabio Wardley thought he was being SCAMMED on Facebook when Oleksandr Usyk asked him for sparring

    FABIO WARDLEY thought he was being SCAMMED after being approached to spar Oleksandr Usyk in 2018. Usyk was preparing to defend his undisputed cruiserweight titles against Britain’s Tony Bellew at the time. Fabio Wardley with Oleksandr Usyk in 2018Wardley thought he was being scammed when he got the sparring offerCredit: Instagram / @fabiowardleyWardley was just 4-0 having only turned professional a year earlier off the back of four wins on the white collar circuit. So when the former recruitment consultant got a message to join Usyk’s camp in Kyiv – he could not quite believe it. Wardley told The Times: “I got this message on Facebook in broken English and at first I thought it might be a scam. “I was confused as to why I’d even be on Usyk’s radar. I’d left my job in London to focus on my career and I was working part-time in a commercial gym. READ MORE IN BOXING”I asked them for three weeks off and they said no, so I left. I flew to Ukraine and a driver had a sign with my name on it. “He didn’t speak a lick of English and I got into this stranger’s white van and I thought, ‘I don’t know if I’m making it home’, but then I met his team and they were all really nice. “I was extremely green. I didn’t know the scale of Usyk’s skill. To even lay a glove on him was really difficult. “I think I got something like £750 per week.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWardley’s success is one of the most unlikely in British boxing after forgoing amateur experience. His handful of white collar fights started as a way of keeping fit and ended with aspirations of a genuine pro career. Fabio Wardley faces off with Justis Huni ahead of his homecoming fight Wardley got his break in 2018 after sparring with Dillian Whyte and later being signed to his management stable. And he has since racked up 18 wins with just one draw – against Frazer Clarke which he brutally avenged in their rematch. Wardley now has the chance to put himself in line for the heavyweight titles former sparring partner Usyk holds. He said: “When I turned professional, I just thought I’d have a few fights and if I could win any kind of belt in my career, I’d be happy to have something decent to look back on. “I wasn’t supposed to be achieving these kinds of things.I got this message on Facebook in broken English and at first I thought it might be a scam. I was confused as to why I’d even be on Usyk’s radar.Fabio Wardley “I fought at the O2, then I headlined the O2, I’ve fought in Saudi Arabia as the chief support to Tyson Fury and to Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol. “It keeps feeling like we’ve peaked and that it can’t get any better and now I’m fighting at the stadium in my hometown. “I’m genuinely on the edge of a world title, which sounds crazy for me just to say.”Wardley, 30, has his homecoming Ipswich fight at Portman Road against Australian Justis Huni, 26, on Saturday.He was initially set to fight Jarrell Miller – the controversial serial drug cheat – until the American pulled out due to “injury”. So Aussie Huni – who won gold at the amateur World Youth Championships in 2016 – filled in as a late replacement on five weeks’ notice. Read More on The SunWardley said: “Huni is another opponent from a completely different end of entry in boxing terms. “After starting in white-collar, anything was a win. This wasn’t realistic, but you always imagine.”Wardley facing off with Justis Huni at Portman RoadCredit: Instagram @justis_huni More

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    Soccer Aid 2025 teams in full with Wayne Rooney joined by fellow Man Utd legends and Tyson Fury managing England

    THE full Soccer Aid teams have been revealed ahead of the charity clash with Wayne Rooney being managed by Tyson Fury.The celebrity and football legends match is set for June 15 at Old Trafford.Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney will be representing England at Soccer AidCredit: PALionesses legend Jill Scott will be back in actionCredit: PAOne Direction star Louis Tomlinson is one of the many celebrities playingCredit: PAActress Vicky McClure is on the coaching staffCredit: ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella PicturesThe England team is comprised of celebrities from various backgrounds including TV, music, and comedy.Comedians Alex Brooker and Paddy McGuinness will return to the squad, having previously featured, while TV icon Vicky McClure will be in the dugout.Musicians include the likes of One Direction star Louis Tomlinson and singer Tom Grennan.There are plenty of sporting legends trying their hand at football, with Olympic stars Dame Denis Lewis, Sir Mo Farah and former hockey star Sam Quek all playing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIn terms of retired footballers, manager and boxing icon Fury will have plenty of talent at his disposal.Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Gary Neville will be joining Rooney.While other ex-pros include goalkeeper Joe Hart, Arron Lennon and Jermain Defoe.The Lionesses will also be represented as Toni Duggan and Jill Scott will be playing.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, the World XI also boasts plenty of football legends.A host of former Premier League stars have been confirmed in Peter Schmeichel’s team.England team and coaching staffHere is a look at the full team for England for Soccer Aid 2025…Team:Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur)Alex Brooker (TV personality)Jermain Defoe (Former footballer)Toni Duggan (Former footballer)Angry Ginge (YouTuber)Tom Grennan (Musician)Bear Grylls (TV personality)Joe Hart (Former footballer)Steph Houghton (Former footballer)Aaron Lennon (Former footballer)Dame Denise Lewis (Olympic gold medallist)Paddy McGuinness (TV personality)Sir Mo Farah (Former Olympian)Gary Neville (Former footballer)Sam Quek (Former hockey player/TV personality)Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)Paul Scholes (Former footballer)Jill Scott (Former footballer)Sam Thompson (King of the Jungle)Louis Tomlinson (Musician)Coaches: Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)Tyson Fury (Boxer)Harry Redknapp (Former football manager)Vicky McClure (Actor)Goalkeeping coach: David James (Former footballer)Ex-Man United, Man City and West Ham star Carlos Tevez will link up with the likes of Robbie Keane, Nemanja Vidic, and Harry Kewell.In goal, Edwin van der Sar is expected to wear the gloves, two years after suffering a brain haemorrhage.Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci will make up an important part of the defence.Women’s football will be represented by former internationals Nadia Nadim and Kaylyn Kyle.In terms of celebrities the World XI has plenty of stars more used to the stage than the pitch.Singer Dermot Kennedy will join actors Martin Compston, Noah Beck and Richard Gadd.Read More on The SunThere have been 13 Soccer Aid matches since it was launched by Robbie Williams in 2006, raising around £100million for Unicef.England have won six, including the 2024 edition, while the World XI have been victorious seven times.World XI team and coaching staffHere is a look at the full team for the World XI for Soccer Aid 2025…Team:Tony Bellew (Former boxer)Leonardo Bonucci (Former footballer)Tobi Brown (YouTube star)Martin Compston (Actor) Richard Gadd (Actor)Bryan Habana (Former rugby star)Dermot Kennedy (Musician)Kaylyn Kyle (Former footballer)Gorka Marquez (Dancer)Nadia Nadim (Footballer)Livi Sheldon (Gladiators star)Edwin van der Sar (Former footballer)Nemanja Vidic (Former footballer)Harry Kewell (Former footballer)Big Zuu (YouTube star)Noah Beck (Actor)Carlos Tevez (Former footballer)Billy Wingrove (Football freestyler)Robbie Keane (Former footballer)Manager: Peter Schmeichel (Former footballer) More

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    Aston Villa ready to cancel Philippe Coutinho’s contract some 654 DAYS after ex-Barcelona star last played for them

    ASTON VILLA are ready to cancel Philippe Coutinho’s contract some 654 days after he last played for them.The playmaker, 32, is currently on loan at Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, where he’s scored eight times in 43 outings.Aston Villa are trying to terminate Philippe Coutinho’s monster contractCredit: GettyHe has spent the last year on loan with Brazilian side Vasco de GamaCredit: Shutterstock EditorialCoutinho, who also spent last season on loan at Qatari side Al-Duhail, has not played for Villa since the start of the 2023/24 campaign — exactly 654 days ago.But he still has a year remaining on his lucrative £125,000-a-week contract, which Coutinho signed in 2022 after making his shock Barcelona loan permanent for £17million.And the Athletic claims Villa chiefs have now made it a priority to get his high wages off their books ahead of another summer splurge.Coutinho hit the ground running when he moved to Villa Park on loan in January 2022, scoring five goals in 19 games under Steven Gerrard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut standards slipped after his move became permanent, with the ex-Liverpool and Bayern Munich star netting just once in the following 24 outings.And Coutinho now looks set to become a free agent if Villa can agree a deal to terminate his contract this month.He’s not the only potential outgoing as Unai Emery’s men look to balance the books.Emi Martinez, Lucas Digne and Leon Bailey could be sold for the right price, with Emi Buendia, Leander Dendocker, Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior up for grabs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThere is also interest in Ollie Watkins, Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers, but Villa are desperate to keep all three.Emery is preparing for several incomings too.Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move!Marco Asensio’s loan from Paris Saint-Germain could be made permanent.While Villa are huge fans of Southampton winger Tyler Dibling. More

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    Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco: Start time, live stream, TV channel and full card for epic super-middleweight title clash

    CALLUM SIMPSON’S Barnsley homecoming sees him put his European super-middleweight title on the line against undefeated Ivan Zucco.Mr Simpson has been in the form of his life of late and is hoping to extend his perfect 17-0 professional record.Callum Simpson has beaten everybody in his way so farCredit: GettyThe British heavy-hitter goes into this bout off the back of a fifth-round stoppage win over Elvis Ahorgah in February, despite accepting the challenge on short notice.And it was no surprise to see Simpson successfully defend his crown in style – the very same belt he snatched from Zak Chelli last August via a unanimous decision.However, the champ has already admitted that his next opponent, Zucco, will give him the ‘fight of his life’ as the Italian icon has an even impressive undefeated record of 21-0.Furthermore, Zucco will step into the ring off the back of a dominant second-round stoppage over Kasim Gashi in December.Read more on Callum SimpsonWhen is Simpson vs Zucco?Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco will take place on Saturday, June 7.Ring-walks for this huge encounter are set to get underway at approximately 10pm BST. These timing are subject to change depending on the other fights on the undercard.Oakwell Stadium – home of Barnsley FC is the chosen venue for this mega title fight and it can host around 15,000 spectators.Tickets for this event are still available on TicketmasterPlease note that StubHub and similar secondary ticket resale sites may list tickets above face valueWhat TV channel is Simpson vs Zucco on and can it be live streamed?Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Action.Fans can also stream the entire action through NOW TV via any compatible mobile device or tablet.What is the full card?Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco – for European super-middleweight titleMark Jeffers vs Sean HemphillRyhs Edwards vs Thomas EssombaFrankie Stringer vs Kane BakerEllis Price vs Jake PriceRed Johnson vs Harley CollisonSam Hickey vs Harley HodgettsMauro Silva vs TBAMost read in BoxingWhat has been said?Champ Callum Simpson has admitted that this will be his toughest fight so far in his illustrious professional career.The British boxer said: “This is the biggest fight of my career, and I’m expecting my toughest test to date.”Last summer, I won the British and Commonwealth titles in front of my home crowd, and now we’re coming back, bigger and better, fighting for the European title against an undefeated fighter in Ivan Zucco.”This isn’t just another fight, it’s a massive European night, and I’m coming to put on a statement performance. I need Oakwell to be a fortress on June 7 and make sure that European title stays right here in Barnsley.”The support from Barnsley means everything to me. This town has backed me from day one, and to be fighting at Oakwell again, in front of my people, is something special. “Last time we sold it out in two days, this time we’re going even bigger. It’s going to be a night to remember and I couldn’t be prouder to represent Barnsley on the big stage.” More

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    Justis Huni survived a drive-by-shooting before swapping Australia for Blackpool ahead of Fabio Wardley fight

    JUSTIS HUNI enters enemy territory when he faces Fabio Wardley in Ipswich – but it will take a lot to faze the travelling Australian. After all, Huni survived a terrifying drive-by-shooting in June 2022 only to win his next fight less than a week later. Justis Huni survived a terrifying drive-by-shooting in June 2022Credit: GettyPolice investigating at the house of Huni after the attackCredit: GettyThe boxer was just 23 when his family home in Brisbane, with ten inside, was targeted with five bullets. Two children, one aged eight and one just six months old, were among those in the house when shots fired at 4am. And despite cops and news crews surrounding the property – Huni was more focused on his morning sparring session that day. He told Ring Magazine: “I still remember it well.READ MORE IN BOXING”It was like, gunshots fired at my house then all of a sudden I had police and TV crews at the front of my house all morning. “But I had sparring that morning. I just looked straight past the news crews and just went to sparring. “Got my sparring done and then came back home to so much news and reporters at the house.”The frightening ordeal came while Huni was 5-0 – with four knockouts – and was approaching a fight against Joseph Gooddall.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd he would amazingly win the bout over ten rounds, not losing a round in the eyes of one judge.Three years on and no arrests were made and the perpetrators remain a mystery.Fabio Wardley prepares for dream Portman Road homecoming fight Huni has since improved his record to 12-0 and returns on Saturday in the biggest fight of his career. He replaced Jarrell Miller – the controversial serial drug cheat – after the American pulled out of facing Wardley through “injury”. Huni accepted the deal on just five weeks notice and has no fear in taking on Ipswich’s Wardley at Portman Road having overcome far worse. He said: “The timing of the shooting was crazy because I had the Goodall fight five days later. “I think if I could get through that, I’m sure I can handle what’s going to come at me on June 7th.”Everything is all character building and everything has got me to where I am today and to be able to get me past obstacles that are about to come up like June 7th. “Everything in my life has happened for a reason. It was scary of course, I was living in the house and my whole family was in the house that night. “It was a scare but I think I was so zoned in and focused on the fight it did not affect me. I kind of just overlooked it.”Now that I think back at it, it was a big deal, but at the time I was so focused on my job at hand that I kind of just brushed it away and just kept moving forward. I think if I could get through that, I’m sure I can handle what’s going to come at me on June 7th.Justis Huni on his drive-by-shooting ordeal “I won that fight and there was so much security and stuff at the fight because obviously they thought it was connected to me.”I don’t know. It just shows what the mind can do when you’re locked in on something so bad. You just kind of forget about it.”Huni, 26, flew to England in mid May to face off with Wardley, 30, for the first time on the football pitch. And instead of flying 10,000 miles back, the Aussie set up camp in Blackpool’s Sharpstyle Boxing Gym for the remainder of his training. He said: “It’s a kind of interesting place. It’s a bit different to the Gold Coast.”I haven’t had a chance to look around and go down to the water yet but from what I’ve seen it seems quiet here and that’s how I like it. “It’s a lot better than when I was in London for a few days – that was too busy for me, too much traffic.”But there’s not nearly as much traffic in Blackpool so I’ve liked it. “We’ve managed to get the sparring we need from a few local boys who have come down to help me out. Read More on The Sun”I’ve got all the training that I’ve needed. I’ve done all the hard work I’ve needed to do. “I’m just going to go in there and do my job… do what I’ve done for the last 20 years since I started in this sport.”Huni is from Brisbane but has been training in BlackpoolFabio Wardley facing off with HuniCredit: QUEENSBERRY More